250 Life of Auduhon. 



sheer, off she makes for the reefs, a few miles under out 

 lee. There in that narrow passage, well known to hei 

 commander, she rolls, tumbles, and dances like a giddy 

 thing, her copper sheathing now gleaming, and again dis- 

 appearing under the waves. But the passage is made, 

 and now, hauling on the wind, she resumes her former 

 course, and gradually recedes from the view. Reader, it 

 was a Florida wrecker. When at the Tortugas, I paid a 

 visit to several vessels of this kind, in company with my 

 friend Robert Day, Esq. We had observed the regularity 

 and quickness of the men then employed at their arduous 

 tasks, and as we approached the largest schooner, I ad- 

 mired her form, so well adapted to her occupation, her 

 great breadth of beam, her light draught, the correctness 

 of her water-line, the neatness of her painted sides, the 

 smoothness of her well-greased masts, and the beauty of 

 her rigging. We were welcomed on board with all the 

 frankness of our native tars. Silence and order prevailed 

 on her decks. The commander and the second officer 

 led us into a spacious cabin, well lighted, and furnished 

 with every convenience for fifteen or more passengers. 

 The former brought me his collection of marine shells, 

 and whenever I pointed to one that I had not seen before, 

 offered it with so much kindness, that I found it necessary 

 to be careful in expressing my admiration of any particu- 

 lar shell. He had also many eggs of rare birds, which 

 were all handed over to me, with an assurance that be- 

 fore the month should expire a new set could easily 

 be procured ; for, said he, ' we have much idle time on 

 the reefs at this season.' Dinner was served, and we par- 

 took of their fare, which consisted of fish, fowl and other 

 materials. These rovers were both from down east, were 

 stout active men, cleanly and smart in their attire. In a 

 short time we were all extremely social and merry. They 

 thought my visit to the Tortugas in quest of birds was 



