FIRST VISIT TO THE BAHAMAS 



of their companions. 



We stowed our equipment, weighed anchor, and proceeded southward 

 inside the reefs. 



In the afternoon we stopped at some point off Big Wood Cay where 

 there is a natural curiosity that is worth visiting. A well, uncovered at low 

 tide, is situated off shore about one hundred yards. It is about ten feet in 

 diameter and a large volume of salt water flows from it when the tide is 

 receding. A short distance inland there is a pond which is said to be con- 

 nected by a subterranean tunnel with the well. We visited this pond and 

 looked down upon a school of Angel fish. Although the water was not 

 very clear, we procured the diving apparatus and explored the pond, hop- 

 ing to find this outlet. But we were not successful, and returning to the 

 well, explored its interior. I was letting myself down by a rope, touching 

 the wall with my toes and feeling for a foothold. Presently I felt a ledge 

 of rock and was able to turn around and sit on it. The depth was about 

 fifteen feet. A multitude of small fish of many varieties were swimming 

 about. Their bright colors against the dark rock gave a beautiful effect. 

 The wall was more rugged at this depth but as we had not sounded the 

 well beforehand, I went no deeper. It appealed to me as an interesting and 

 adventurous place for exploration. The rocks were over-hanging and for- 

 bidding. Artificial light would be required to explore to any extent. I re- 

 solved to visit this place again if possible. 



When we had finished this exploration our Captain took us to a place 

 where Bone fish can be caught. Bone fish come in over broad flats which 

 are bare at low water. Small shell fish come to the surface of the ground 

 when the tide goes out. When it comes in, the Bone fish come with it to 

 feed on these shell fish which have not yet gone far enough into the ground 

 to protect themselves. The time and place to catch Bone fish, therefore, 

 is on the young flood tide coming over flats on which there are plenty of 

 shell fish. We were not well equipped; one heavy rod and two hand Hues. 



ni5] 



