METEOROLOGY. 281 



presented a singular appearance, and an examination 

 with a glass revealed the fact that it was literally covered 

 with snipe. Four shots furnished us with more than 

 enough for an extensive snipe stew, and an examination 

 of them revealed the fact that we had bagged six distinct 

 species. The tide was low and the island was surrounded 

 by an extensive mud flat mixed with broken shells. The 

 shallow water was literally alive with sheepshead, weak- 

 iish, red-fish, pompano, cavalli, grouper, etc. In the 

 deeper water there roamed dozens of voracious sharks, 

 who in pursuit of their prey would venture into the 

 shallow waters until a portion of their bodies was 

 exposed. Frank amused himself for over an hour in 

 the water and mud, hunting sharks with a shot gun. 

 They appeared to be unacquainted with man, and exhib 

 ited no fear. They were so intent upon securing a meal 

 that they could be approached within a few feet. De 

 sirous of reaching our goal, we reluctantly left this 

 piscatorial paradise, and made sail for Punta Eassa, 

 where we arrived on the evening of the 24th of December, 

 and telegraphed to loved ones &quot;Compliments of the 

 season. All well. Depart for interior to-morrow.&quot; 



4. METEOROLOGY. 



PERSONS undertaking a boat cruise on the south-west 

 coast should provide themselves with the published 

 charts of Charlotte Harbor. These show the sound 

 ings of Boca Grande and Caloosa entrances ; and San 

 Carlos Bay to the mouth of the Caloosahatchie rivor. 

 Outside of these localities the tourist will be com 

 pelled to pick his way, unless he is well supplied with 



