FOREST > AND STHEAM 
|Nov. 26, 1904. 
of the engine should be either piped into the engine ex- 
haust or outboard by an independent line. Under no cir- 
cumstanes should an engine installed in a cabin be al- 
lowed to belch tire from a pet or relief cock with any 
liability of igniting accumulated gas. 
All tanks should be provided with shut-off cocks or 
valves at both tanks and just inside the skin of the 
boat where the gasolene pipe enters. 
These are simple precautionary rules, and are not ex- 
pensive. If you follow them out and are reasonably care- 
ful in operating your engine, you may laugh at all or- 
dinary dangers from the use of gasolene in the motor 
boat. Ounces of prevention, perhaps, etc. Under no con- 
ditions whatever should any air pressure be allowed in 
the gasolene tank. 
Log of the Launch Clara. 
The following account of the cruise of the 37ft. launch 
Clara from Miami, Florida, to New York via the Gulf of 
Mexico, Mississippi River, Great Lakes, Erie Canal, and 
Hudson River, was taken from her log book. The boat 
is owned by Mr. F. D. Hughes, and he was accompanied 
on the memorable trip by his wife and one paid hand. 
Clara was designed and built by the New York Yacht, 
Launch and Engine Company, at Morris Heights, in 
1902. She showed up to remarkable advantage on the 
long trip. Since she was built she has been driven con- 
tinuously for thousands of miles in all kinds of wind and 
weather, and has stood all the severe tests given her 
splendidly. 
The boat is 37ft. over all, 34ft. waterline, 9ft. 6in. 
breadth, and 3ft. draft. She is fitted with a 10 horse- 
power gasolene motor. She carries a little canvas, being 
rigged with a lug sail forward and a jigger aft. 
In company with Clara during parts of the trip were two 
other gasolene power boats, both designed and built also 
by the New York Yacht, Launch and Engine Company. 
Palmetto, owned by Mr. T. A. Snider, was 65ft. over all, 
while Mr. H. C. Roome's Roamer was some three feet 
longer. 
MIAMI, FLA., MARCH 29, I904. 
Day broke ^with a fresh N.E. wind blowing. Every- 
thing was aboard, and the boat was soon in shape for 
starting. Broke out the anchor and got under way at. 
9 :30 A. M. Set both sails and headed for Caesar's Creek, 
which place we reached at 1 P. M. and anchored. During 
the early part of the afternoon a nasty squall, which had 
been making up, broke out of the N. and W. The rain 
that accompanied was very heavy. It soon cleared up, 
and at 4 P. M. we hoisted anchor and ran down Hawk's 
Channel to Angelfish Creek. After passing through the 
latter. Card Sound was reached. Thence to Steamboat 
Creek, where we had fine fishing catching mangrove 
snappers and grouper. We reached Barne's Sound via 
Steamboat Creek, thence to Jewfish Creek, anchoring for 
the night at the mouth of the latter stream. The fore- 
going is strictly the inland passage, and the stretch from 
Caesar's Creek to Indian Key should not be attempted by 
boats drawing more than 3ft. First day's run about 55 
miles. 
JEWFISH CREEK, FLA., MARCH 30. 
A beautiful day, fresh E. wind. Started in good season 
and went through Jewfish Creek to Blackwater Sound 
and across the Sound to a cut called Boggy, and between 
the keys to Lignum Vitae Key, where we anchored. In 
this vicinity are located Indian Key and Tea Table Key, 
and off on the reef is Alligator Light, where big fish 
of all kinds are to be found. We fished two hours on the 
flood tide, but did not land a tarpon ; caught three big- 
grouper and two jacks. Experienced several rain squalls 
with a shift of wind to N.E. When moon rose, clearing 
the clouds away, it turned out to be a beautiful night. 
LIGNUM vTTJE KEY, FLA., MARCH 31. 
At 5 130 A. M. we hoisted sail and weighed anchor ; 
the wind was fresh from the E. Had a fine run across 
the shoals to Cape Sable, wind and tide both with us. 
When off Northwest Cape the wind shifted, to N.E., 
blowing very fresh, and we anchored off Pavillion Key 
at 4 P. M. We lowered small boat to hunt for clams, 
but had poor luck; we did, however, find a queer shell- 
fish known as the angel-wing clam, although we had to 
dig down three feet for it. 
PAVILLION KEY, FLA., APRIL I. 
Another beautiful day; wind S.E. All hands turned 
out early to look for clams again, and by 6:30 had a ton 
of hard clams, which proved to be very tender and de- 
licious. Later we left for Punta Rassa, and anchored off 
St. James City about 6 P. M. Passed Mr. N. M, George's 
yacht Granatsa, of Bridgeport, Conn., off Naples, headed 
"east. Found Aristook anchored off St. James City. 
ST. JAMES CITY, FLA., APRIL 2. 
At 7 A. M. left for Useppa Island, which place we 
reached at 9 :4s A. M., and tied up to a dock. Engaged 
a guide for tarpon fishing, as our man George was too 
sick to handle the oars. I lost the noon fishing, and 
was not able to fish until the moon rose at night. Went 
down to Boca Grande, towing the guide and his boat 
astern, anchored off quarantine. Mr. Emory, of Boston, 
came aboard at 7:30. Mrs. H. went out with guide in 
small boat and fished for tarpon until midnight ; had one 
strike, and just before leaving hooked a big fish; after 
lighting for over half an hour, lost it. Twenty boats were 
out for tarpon and a picturesque sight it was in the moon- 
light. The sponge schooners coming down the bay looked 
for all the world like phantom ships. Only two tarpon 
landed; last night, however, six were caught. After 
fishing the midnight tide, we pulled up anchor and sailed 
back to Useppa. The big English auxiliary Valhalla was 
anchored at Boca Grande. 
. USEPPA ISLAND, FLA., APRIL $: 
Sailed out of Boca Grande at 9 "A. M. ; fresh N.W. 
wind blowing, so concluded to make Gasparilla Pass, 
which we entered at 10 o'clock, and found a fine harbor, 
hud beach and beautiful water. Shot a few snipe, which 
proved very good eating. 
GASPARILLA PASS, FLA., APRIL 4. 
Wind N.E., blowing strong and very cool; lay at 
,<u-,cl!Or ;t]l day, turning in about eight after a lazy day, 
GASPARILLA' PASS, FLA., APRIL 5. 
Crossed the bar at 6 A. M., wind blowing fresh from 
E. N.E. Off Horse and Chaise Point 8:25, both sails 
drawing well, passed Egmont Key and up Tampa Bay to 
Tampa, tying up to the hotel dock at 6 o'clock; 97 miles 
day's run, 
TAMPA, FLA., APRIL 6. 
Fine and clear. Tampa has made wonderful progress 
during the last few years, and is now a lively, go-ahead 
city. Clara was.. .hauled out to fix stern bearing; think 
the trouble lies in too much packing. She was run off 
ways in one hour. 
TAMPA, FLA., APRIL 7-I3. 
Remained at anchor, having decided to await the arrival 
of the launch Roamer, owned by Mr. H. C. Roome. 
Weather was delightful during our stay, but as the days 
slipped by, began getting very restless. One night we 
dined at the Gran Oriente, Ybor City, and found the bad 
Spanish cooking anything but palatable. On the 13th we 
filled Clara's tanks with gasolene. 
TAMPA, FLA., APRIL 1 4. 
A trifle warmer to-day ; armed with marine glasses we 
boarded a trolley car for Port Tampa, hoping to sight 
Roamer or Palmetto. Was surprised to see Mr. T. A. 
Snider, owner of Palmetto get aboard the same car, also 
bound for Port Tampa to meet his wife and wait for his 
yacht, which was expected that night. 
TAMPA, FLA., APRIL 15. 
Ninety degrees in the shade, wind N.W., but too hot. 
Left at 2 P. M. for lower bay; just at sundown sighted 
two yachts off Mullett Key ; one proved to be Roamer, 
headed up the bay for an anchorage. Wind shifted to 
N.E. We dropped anchor off Mullett Key; about mid- 
us, the water being fairly alive with them; put out a 'line 
and caught several Spanish mackerel in a few minutes. 
The kingfish are evidently bound up the numerous rivers 
on the Florida coast to spawn. Up to date have caught 
all the fish we could use, and at Tampa stocked up with 
fine meats, etc., so that we have lived like lords. En- 
tered Apalachicola Bay through East Pass, and on up to 
Apalachicola, a town of 5,000 inhabitants. This place is 
noted for its oysters, and they excel in flavor the famous 
Lynn Haven Bay's. After looking the town over, we left 
for the lower anchorage, St. George's Light, where we 
spent the night. About 3 P. M. a strong S. wind sprang 
up. 
ST. GEORGE CAPE, APALACHICOLA BAY, APRIL 21. 
Light N. wind. After breakfast crossed the bar, going 
out of the West Pass at 6 A. M. Beautiful day, and very 
smooth, the sea like molten metal; passed Cape San Bias 
close to and over the shoals. Crossed St. Andrew's bar 
at I P. M., and anchored in Hurricane Harbor. The ex- 
haust pipe is leaking, so devoted the afternoon to 
repairing same. The waters are very beautiful, shading 
from a sapphire blue to various shades of green. Wind 
has shifted to S.W. About 5 -.30 the yachts Roamer and 
Palmetto arrived and anchored near us, the Roomes came 
aboard in their power tender, and we were glad to sec 
them. The wind shifted to N.E., blowing hard. About 
midnight it worked round to the E. 
st. Andrew's sound, fla., april 22. 
Wind E., blowing hard. Palmetto left at daylight for East 
Pass. Roamer did not start and we decided to wait for 
better weather. However, it turned out all right; had wc 
made the run we should have had the benefit of a fair 
wind. At noon we ran alongside Roamer and invited 
Commodore and Mrs. Roome to go up to St. Andrew's 
PALMETTO. 
Designed and built by the New York Yacht, Launch and Engine Co., of Morris Heights, N. Y., for T. A. Snider, Cincinnati, O. 
night the wind shifted to S.E., causing us to roll so much 
sleep was out of the question. 
off quarantine, mullett key, fla., APRIL 16. 
Wind S.E., with smooth sea; left at daybreak. Caught 
a kingfish off Pass-a-Grille ; the bay is full of small king- 
fish averaging ten pounds apiece. They are very good 
eating. Also saw many pompano jumping, and finally 
caught three Spanish mackerel. Sighted Anclote Light 
at 9:45; rounded light at 10:30; continued on up the 
Anclote River, where we anchored and had dinner and 
a nap to make up for lost sleep. Wishing to get on to the 
good fishing grounds, we hoisted anchor, started up the 
engine, and headed for the channel to the northward 
of Anclote Key, where we anchored. In coloring these 
waters are like Biscayne Bay, and teem with fish of all 
kinds. All the spongers and fishermen in schooners and 
sloops, the former type of boat predominating, are bound 
in for Sponge Harbor to stay over Sunday; all boats are 
crowded with canvas, impatient to get home._ Had poor 
success at fishing, so up anchor and sailed into Sponge 
Harbor. The smell of sponge curing is not pleasant. 
Weather fine, air delicious; 45 miles to-day. 
SPONGE HARBOR, ANCLOTE KEYS, FLA., APRIL VJ . 
Left 7 :4s ; off Withlacoochee Bar at noon ; big steamer 
coming out; at first sight she looked as if she was 
aground, as the deep channel winds among the shoals. 
Fine run and beautiful day; N. wind. Tied to dock at 
Cedar Keys about 4:15; bought the papers and looked the 
town over, then left for Sea Horse Key, where we 
anchored for night. Wind shifted from light N. to fresh 
S.W. Twenty-five schooners, all spongers, anchored in 
the harbor. 
SEA HORSE KEY, FLA., APRIL l8. 
All hands up by 5:30, but found too much fog to make 
a start, so had a leisurely breakfast. The spongers had 
disappeared, some getting away by midnight. By _ 10 
o'clock the fog had lifted, and it turned out a beautiful 
day. About 3:30 fresh S. W. breeze sprang up; toward 
night it died down. Much disappointed that the yacht* 
Roamer and Palmetto have not shown up. Sailed up to 
Cedar Keys for the papers and to mail letters. The town 
is in a dilapidated condition. At one time it must have 
been prosperous, as some of the houses now abandoned 
are very solid looking. Went through the oyster factory 
and saw- the process of canning oysters. 
SEA HORSE KEY, FLA., APRIL 19. 
Off by 5:30. N. wind ; afterward shifting to N.W. ; 
toward evening • shifted' to W. A beautiful day and 'we 
had a fine run. The sea was a little lumpy for twenty 
miles then it was smooth until W. wind sprang up, kick- 
ing up quite a chop. Anchored off St. Mark's Light at 
6:30; run i go miles. Caught several Spanish mackerel 
and one cavaile trolling; saw a big fish jump out of the 
water; made a jump of five or six feet. The color of the 
water has changed from a beautiful blue to a dingy green. 
ST. MARK'S, FLA., APRIL 20. 
Light N.E. wind, and after a good breakfast— a fine 
porterhouse steak and delicious grape fruit— we left St. 
Mark's at 6:40, The kingfish were jumping all around 
with us. We ran up to the dock and tied up, then went 
ashore to inspect the town and buy some stores, ice, etc. 
It is a small place, with no communication with the outer 
world except a steamer twice a week. Oyster canning 
seems to be the main industry. This is a fine body 01 
water, as clear and beautiful as the waters around Key- 
West. During the night the wind blew hard from the L. 
st. Andrew's sound, fla., april 23. 
Over the bar at 5 A. M. ; quite a sea on, but did not 
realize how bad it really was until we had been gom 
about half an hour. At times the seas were very high, 
and we had both sails set running before it. It was the 
biggest sea we have ever been out in, but we never took 
a drop of water aboard. We realized that if the winn 
shifted to the S. any more it would be extremely nasty, 
SO' ran along shore. About 11 A. M. we were off East 
Pass, and decided to try and make it, although it seemed 
foolhardy and impossible to go in through such broken 
water ; but there was little choice ; if we kept on to Pen 
sacola it was doubtful if we could live in such a sea, and 
in any event it meant hours of tossing about, so in wc 
started. This is a bad bar to cross, as there is only six 
feet of water on it and nine fathoms outside close to the 
bar, and the sea breaks with tremendous force. After 
crossing the first breaker, we had to haul up on the 
ranges, which forced us to put the boat broadside to the 
sea ; one immense breaker caught us and almost rolled 
us over; then another caught us with a sickening crash.; 
we thought it was all up with us that time, but she 
righted and shot into the smooth waters of Santa Rosa 
Sound. Oh, the relief and the beauty of this world, 
doubly intensified by our nearness to death; the trees 
looked greener, the sky bluer, and everything took on a 
beauty hitherto unseen. Life is indeed sweet. We stopped 
at the fish dock long enough to repair damages, such as 
righting the stove, sweeping up broken crockery, putting 
the carpets out to dry, etc. No damage whatever to the 
boat, not even a window broken. In fifteen minutes we. 
were off through the Narrows into Santa Rosa Sound. 
Stopped at quarantine, where we found Roamer, she hav- 
ing crossed Pensacola Bar a few minutes previous. After 
going through the formality of seeing the doctor, wc 
sailed 011 up to Pensacola, tying up to the wharf at 
Baylen street. Went ashore for mail and stores; found 
quite a lively town. 
The U. S. warships Olympia, Kearsarge, the torpedo 
boat Truxton, and a number of others were anchored 
there. 
PENSACOLA, FLA., APRIL 24. 
Wind blowing very fresh from S.E. ; rode through town 
on trolley ; our explorations afforded us considerable 
amusement. 
PENSACOLA, FLA. , APRIL 25. 
Wind still blowing heavy from S.E, to S.W,; wrong 
quarter for us to make a start. 
PENSACOLA, FLA., APRIL 20. 
Went down to Fort Pickens to look the sea over; 
anchored, intending to get an early start in the morning, 
but we dragged, and the bay was very rough, so returned 
