222 IN AUSTRALIAN WILDS 



struck a reef, and its occupants, jumping out, began 

 to wade. The water inside the reef, waist deep at 

 first, as the tide rushed in rose to the waders' arm- 

 pits, and in the swirl it was hard for them to keep on 

 their feet. Several big sharks were seen, and Green 

 Turtles were swimming in all directions. From the 

 steamer's deck I watched my friends battling with the 

 sea, and was thankful when they reached the beach. 

 The second boat was taken over the reef with ease, for 

 the water was deeper. On Tryon Island Reef -Herons 

 and other birds were nesting, but we had time for only 

 hurried observations. 



When the day of departure came we were sorry 

 to bid the islands farewell, and during the voyage to 

 Gladstone could talk only of their beauty and wonder- 

 ful fauna. The expedition had been successful, for 

 we gleaned diligently, but another month could have 

 been profitably spent among the Capricorns. 

 Naturalists who visit the group in the future should 

 reap a rich harvest. 



FINIS. 



