The Wreckers. 253 



As our vessel was not noted for fast sailing, we accepted 

 an invitation to go on board of a wrecker. The fleet got 

 under weigh about eight o'clock in the morning, the wind 

 light but fair, the water smooth, and the day fine. I can 

 scarcely find words to express the pleasure and gratifica- 

 tion which I this day experienced. The sea was of a 

 beautiful, soft, pea-green color, smooth as a sheet of glass, 

 and as transparent, its surface agitated only by our ves- 

 sels as they parted its bosom, or by the pelican in pursuit 

 of his prey, which, rising for a considerable distance in the 

 air, would suddenly plunge down with distended mandi- 

 bles, and secure his food. The vessels of our little fleet, 

 with every sail set that could catch a breeze, and the 

 white foam curling round the prows glided silently along, 

 like islands of flitting shadows on an immovable sea of 

 light. Several fathoms below the surface of the water, 

 and under us, we saw great quantities of fish diving and 

 sporting amongst the sea-grass, sponges, sea-feathers, and 

 corals, with which the bottom was covered. On our 

 right hand the Florida Keys, as we made them in the dis- 

 tance, looked like specks upon the water, but as we 

 neared them, rose to view as if by enchantment, clad in 

 the richest livery of spring, each variety of color and hue 

 rendered soft and delicate by a clear sky and brilliant sun 

 overhead. All was like a fairy scene ; my heart leaped 

 up in delighted admiration, and I could not but exclaim, 

 in the language of Scott, i 



Those seas behold, 



Round thrice an hundred islands rolled. 



The trade-winds played around us with balmy and re- 

 freshing sweetness ; and to give life and animation to the 

 scene, we had a contest for the mastery between all the 

 vessels of the fleet, while a deep interest was excited in 

 this or that vessel, as she shot ahead or fell astern. 



