MAN’S SUBMARINE WORK. 379 
MAN’S SUBMARINE WORK. 
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Notwithstanding the great amount of informa- 
tion which hasbeen gathered, through past ages, 
concerning the ocean and its treasures, the sum total 
compared with the vast store as yet untouched is 
almost trifling. The present century, so preéminent 
for progress in all departments of human investiga- 
tion, has also made great advancement in ocean lore. 
The diving-bell with its manifold improvements, 
has enabled us to literally walk upon the bottom of 
the sea, gather, at comparative leisure, the wealth 
of the mines of the great deep, and examine its cav- 
erns and treasure-houses with considerablesecurity, 
While formerly, only the shores and edges of the 
wide waters could be searched, now, the diver with 
his water-proof armor boldy plunges into the waves, 
wherever the hope of reward may present itself. 
The simplest form of diving apparatus, the diving 
bell, resembles a huge bell. It may be square, 
or irregular. It is simply an air-tight box open at 
one end. Seats are arranged on the inside for the 
convenience of those who go down init. This box 
is put on the water, open end down, and the diver 
enters through a small door in the top or side. He 
closes the door, which is perfectly air and water- 
tight,—gives the signal to those outside who are to 
