UNDER SEA WITH HELMET AND CAMERA 



side and secured to a cleat. Following directions, I swung myself over- 

 board and grasped the line, supporting myself chin-deep in the water. 

 The pump was set in motion and the helmet lowered over my head. Let- 

 ting myself down about two feet, I stopped for a short time. The air was 

 admitted through a nipple in the side of the helmet and escaped at the 

 bottom, around the shoulders. I let myself down slowly now. The increas- 

 ing pressure made itself felt by stoppage in the ears. The discomfort was 

 cured by yawning. 



When my feet were on the bottom I looked around me. This first ex- 

 perience was thrilling. Objects which I had looked down upon perpen- 

 dicularly from the surface now stretched before me as on land, but what 

 a marvelous difference! A shimmering light of a pale blue tinge pervaded 

 all. Every object that met the eye was unfamiliar but beautiful. At first I 

 noticed only the larger objects, coral heads, huge sponges, red and yellow 

 sea fans. Then I began to discern the fishes. They were small but seemed to 

 be of infinite variety, and their coloring was superb. They swam in and 

 out through grasses and arches of coral, appearing and disappearing. I 

 moved from place to place in order to get a better view of any grouping 

 that attracted me. The shimmering light was caused by the sun's rays 

 being deflected by the ripples on the surface. I turned back reluctantly to 

 my point of descent, and ascended hand over hand quite slowly, as di- 

 rected. 



I thought over this experience, and wondered why I had not observed 

 details more closely. In later descents the same failing has been noted. It 

 probably is caused by unfamiliarity with the surroundings, nervousness 

 about the air supply, and fear of unconsciously coming in contact with 

 some harmful animal or plant. Lydia took her turn, but AHce could not 

 be induced to try it. Some people have an attack of claustrophobia when 

 the helmet is placed over their heads. These should never try diving; they 

 will get nothing out of it themselves and add nothing to the enjoyment 



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