EPISODES 349 



as they parted its bosom, or by the Pelican in pursuit of 

 his prey, which rising for a considerable distance in the air, 

 would suddenly plunge down with distended mandibles, 

 and secure his food. The vessels of our little fleet with 

 every sail set that could catch a breeze, and the white foam 

 curling round the prows, glided silently along, like islands 

 of flitting shadows, on an immovable sea of light. Several 

 fathoms below the surface of the water, and under us, we 

 saw great quantities of fish diving and sporting among the 

 sea-grass, sponges, sea-feathers, and corals, with which the 

 bottom was covered. On our right hand were the Florida 

 Keys, which, as we made them in the distance, looked like 

 specks upon the surface of the water, but as we neared 

 them, rose to view as if by enchantment, clad in the richest 

 livery of spring, each variety of color and hue rendered 

 soft and delicate by a clear sky and a brilliant sun over- 

 head. All was like a fairy scene ; my heart leaped up in 

 delighted admiration, and I could not but exclaim, in the 

 language of Scott, — 



' Those seas behold 

 Round thrice an hundred islands rolled. 



The trade wind played round us with balmy and refresh- 

 ing sweetness ; and, to give life and animation to the scene, 

 we had a contest for the mastery between all the vessels of 

 the fleet, while a deep interest was excited in favor of this 

 or that vessel, as she shot ahead, or fell astern. 



" About three o'clock in the afternoon, we arrived off 

 the Bay of Honda. The "wind being light and no prospect 

 of reaching Key West that night, it was agreed that we 

 should make a harbor here. We entered a beautiful basin, 

 and came to anchor about four o'clock. Boats were got 

 out, and several hunting parties formed. We landed, and 

 were soon on the scent, some going in search of shells, 

 others of birds. An Indian, who had been picked up 

 somewhere along the coast by a Wrecker, and who was 



