CHAPTER I 

 EQUIPMENT 



This part of the book is devoted to a description of under-sea equipment 

 and its use. It is, therefore, a sort of compendium of information based 

 on the writer's personal experience. It shows how, with a relatively 

 moderate outlay, great enjoyment can be had. Anyone who is desirous 

 of undertaking operations on a more elaborate scale should begin in the 

 simple manner here described. He will gain experience rapidly and thus 

 learn to expand without making costly and perhaps dangerous mistakes. 

 The writer has conversed with some authorities, and has read such books 

 as he could find on the subject. He acknowledges with thanks informa- 

 tion received through conversations with, or books by. Commander 

 Edward Ellsberg, Mr. Fenimore Johnson and Dr. William Beebe. 



The Helmet 



This is made of copper and is fitted with two windows of flat glass 

 separated by a narrow strip of copper which when the helmet is in use, 

 extends vertically from the center of the diver's forehead to his chin. 

 It does not obstruct the vision sufficiently to be inconvenient. When in 

 place, the helmet rests comfortably upon the shoulders. In front and in 

 back are hung lead weights heavy enough to sink the helmet, which 

 being filled with air, is quite buoyant. The weights are sufficiently pon- 

 derous to overcome materially the buoyancy of the human body, thus 

 permitting the diver to retain a foothold on the bottom. Air is pumped 

 into the helmet through a hose which is attached to an opening in the 



