SANTA LUCIA TO DIM AS 115 



young coral which would find suitable conditions 

 on a gradually deepening shelf. There are ap- 

 parently no young inner reefs to menace naviga- 

 tion within the outer barrier. A further evidence 

 of present stability of the platform and the youth 

 of the reef is furnished by the complete lack of 

 coral islands along the main line of the reef. Prac- 

 tically nowhere is the reef exposed save in a few 

 spots where an exceptionally heavy sea might 

 uncover a menacing tooth. 



The bird-photographing party overtook the 

 schooner while off Cape Hutia, the light draft 

 launch permitting a short cut directly across the 

 reef. Failing wind obliged us to tow for a time, 

 but soon the northeast trade sprung up and we 

 bowled along at excellent speed. The sensation 

 of sailing in a heavy schooner is very agreeable. 

 Accustomed only to engine-propelled craft, we 

 enjoyed, as a real luxury, the steady gliding motion, 

 silent save for the swish of water at the bow and 

 the straining of cordage. When all goes well with 

 favorable wind and tide one can idealize in poetic 

 measure the sailing craft, but with a failing wind 

 one is inclined, like King Richard, to offer much 

 for horse-power. 



