UNDER SEA WITH HELMET AND CAMERA 



to see great clouds of spray rising high above it. No time was lost in going 

 ashore to enjoy this wonderful spot. Our first thought was to go to the 

 top of the ridge and look at the sea on the other side. Climbing upon the 

 same rough formation encountered at Andros, we looked down upon 

 great waves dashing against a precipitous shore and rising in spray which 

 drenched us time and again. Behind us, on looking back from this turmoil 

 appeared the peaceful blue water of the cove where Aquila rode at anchor 

 without the slightest motion. Truly the contrast was wonderful! Descend- 

 ing to the beach we found a variety of dehcate shells, among which were 

 the nautilus and a kind of large sea-urchin. This beach was a fine place to 

 bathe from, the hard clean sand extending far out with a very even and 

 gradual increase in depth. After enjoying a swim, we returned to Aquila 

 for the evening meal. We went ashore again in the evening, some of us 

 hunting for crawfish along the rough shore at the end of the beach. 



The full moon produced an effect more wonderful than any I had ever 

 seen. The cove was so sheltered by the high land from whatever breeze 

 was stirring that there was not a ripple on its surface. The water was so 

 clear that the eye could not distinguish where air and water met. Both the 

 yacht and the dinghy being rowed along the shore seemed suspended in 

 air. The sohtude added to the marvelous attraction of this place. 



The forenoon of the first day was devoted to photography on shore, 

 shell collecting, and bathing. In the afternoon, before the turn of the tide, 

 a place was selected for submarine diving and we found the most beautiful 

 sea gardens we had yet visited. These gardens were profuse in sea-fans of 

 two colors— red and yellow. I found on subsequent trips that the yellow 

 fan is much rarer than the red. The contrast, too, in color of sponge, grasses, 

 coral and sand was richer than at the places we visited at Andros. The 

 photographs, due to inexperience, were not so good as others made on sub- 

 sequent cruises. I had not yet learned what diaphragm to use under water. 

 Now, I find that a one point larger opening than used on land under the 



