CHAPTER XXII 



SOME OCEAN AERONAUTS 



TO the casual observer the wide stretch of 

 ocean, boundless and undefined, has no 

 especial interest beyond its vastness and the 

 mystery which surrounds its abysmal depths; 

 yet to him who, from a love of all things beauti- 

 ful, has made the restless waters an objective 

 for study and observation, who has 



laid his hand upon the Ocean's mane, 

 And played familiar with his hoary locks, 



comes a deep and abiding sense of pleasure. 

 To such an one, the apparently endless ex- 

 panse is not merely a waste of waters, but at 

 all times a living thing whose moods, lights, 

 and shadows are invested with a peculiar and 

 enduring charm. 



One of the most impressive sights I have ever 

 witnessed was the ocean beaten, torn, and buf- 

 fetted in the heart of a hurricane. The ship 

 was lying partly on her beam ends, with but a 

 handful of sail to keep her head to the constantly 

 shifting wind. A strange moaning sound filled 



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