142 
LETTERS FROM 
we can see the bottom much more clearly by 
leaning over the gunwale of the boat so as 
to bring the eyes within an inch or two of 
the surface of the water. While in this 
position, however, the observer of the beau¬ 
tiful submarine view should caution his 
companions not to change their places sud¬ 
denly, or a complete immersion of his face 
will be the consequence. On the stones 
which we draw up with the clamps, we some¬ 
times find small branches of red coral, 
{eschara truncata ,) but the colour soon 
fades by exposure to the air. We some¬ 
times bring home half a boat-load of the 
larger stones and break them to pieces, by 
which means we obtain several species of 
boring-shells and other marine animals. In 
the holes in the stones we find a very 
curious little crab, which has the power 
of striking a smart blow when taken 
