EQUIPMENT 



precaution. The pump is oiled and inspected each time it is used— 

 another important precaution. 



The Water Glass 



This implement, commonly used in clear Southern waters, is not well 

 known in the North. It is an ordinary bucket in which the bottom has 

 been replaced by a piece of plate-glass. It is used for observing objects 

 on the sea-bottom and its usefulness is dependent upon the clearness of 

 the water. In shallow water, a person wading holds it right side up and 

 sinks it down a few inches. The glass takes away the reflection from the 

 surface and enables the user to study objects on the bottom and even to 

 take photographs by holding a camera in the bucket. For deeper water, 

 it is used by holding it over the stern of a small boat. 



The water glass is used commercially in spearing crawfish and hunting 

 for conchs. It is invaluable to a diving party for finding suitable locations 

 from which to start operations. Plate-glass, rather than window glass, is 

 used in making a water glass because it is a handy article to use on deck 

 in place of an ordinary bucket, when thin glass is Hkely to get broken. 



The Boat 



In some places diving can be done by submerging from the shore, but 

 such places are rare and the diver's area of activity is small. We will con- 

 sider a cruising boat as a necessity and while a sail-boat can be used, a 

 motor boat will be found more satisfactory. The type of boat would 

 vary in different localities, but the one that will meet average conditions 

 would be a Hght draft power cruiser of thirty-five feet length over all, 

 fairly broad beam, roomy cockpit, and with sleeping accommodations 

 for four. Instead of the customary small round-bottom dinghy it is best 

 to use an ordinary bateau which can be towed astern. 



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