36 WONDERS OF THE DEEP 



in size and colour, and clusters of purple sea- 

 feathers, wave gracefully in the clear water, like 

 flowering shrubs in the wind. 



" It would be impossible to imagine any situa- 

 tion better for the thorough examination of a sea 

 garden than that in which we found ourselves on 

 this particular morning. Our vessel was not going 

 fast enough to interfere with the most minute 

 investigation of every object on the sea bottom, 

 and yet just moving sufficiently to enable us to 

 see fresh forms of coral beauty every minute, each 

 more lovely than its predecessor. Into deep alcoves 

 and recesses, under delving masses of coral, did we 

 peer with wondering eyes, almost looking for some 

 Lurline or sea-nymph basking in the sunlight that 

 seemed to penetrate right down into this glorious 

 submerged coral world. The fish that dart about 

 or lie sleeping in these coral caves harmonise well 

 with the general beauty of the scene, for their 

 colouring is gorgeous, and their motions extremely 

 graceful. Some are yellow, some are a rich scarlet; 

 some silver and satin, others ringed, striped, fringed, 

 tipped, or spotted with all the colours of the rain- 

 bow. Sponges abound in every direction, clinging 

 to the coral rock."* 



Nassau, on account of its beauty and genial 

 climate, has not been inaptly compared to Mentone. 

 It has become quite a fashionable health-resort for 

 American visitors, who flock here, especially during 



• "The Land of the Pink Pearl." By L. D. Powles. Sampson Low, 

 Marston & Co. 



