306 ALEXANDER AGASSIZ 



summer — the Dolomites or Calumet — I much fear 

 the latter. 



Agassiz always intended to pay a visit to the Dolo- 

 mites and see for himself if these limestones are coral reef 

 rocks, as some geologists assert ; but though the excur- 

 sion was frequently contemplated, something always 

 arose to prevent its actually taking place. On this occa- 

 sion he developed some trouble with his throat, and the 

 doctor considered that it would be unwise for him to go 

 abroad and attend scientific meetings, so he spent his 

 summer quietly at Newport writing up his reports on 

 the Bahamas and Bermudas. 



Agassiz's previous conclusions as to the probable 

 method of formation of the lower coast of Florida were 

 upset by his exploration of the Bahamas and Bermudas. 

 In order to make a further examination of the Florida 

 reefs he chartered the Clyde, an ordinary small tug with 

 four berths in the cabin, which were occupied by the 

 Captain, the Engineer, his son Max, and himself. He 

 joined the boat at Key West in the middle of December, 

 1894. 



On Board the Tug Clyde, 



off Key West, Dec. 22, 1894. 



" We are already halfway nearly down from the most 

 northerly point, Key Biscayne Bay. We have had splen- 

 did weather so far, except last night going from Elliott 

 Key to Cape Florida it was pretty rough for a couple 

 of hours, but Max and I stood it well. I am more than 

 pleased to have taken this trip. I shall have to modify my 

 views on the Florida reef greatly and never could have 

 done it had I not seen the Bahamas and the Bermudas. 



