FROM THE ISLAND OF CEYLON TO THE DRY TORTUGAS. By H. D. SMITH, Captain in the United States Revenue Cutler Service. S a relief from the routine of life on shipboard, the writer has often rambled over miles of wild sea beach and stretches of smooth, shifting sand. There is great pleasure in listening to the deep-toned breakers, and in watching the ever-changing tints of the opaline waters. The solitude is unbroken save by the deep breathing or pulsations of old Ocean and an occasional complaining note from some sea-fowl. During such rambles an interest in shells began. The many bright-colored treasures along the beach must arouse in the hearts of the most indifferent at least a recognition of their beautiful shapes and wonderful colors. The result of my study of shells has been a collection of shells representing many parts of the globe, and the sight of some of the shells recalls a day of adventure, or such a little "yarn" as is always relished by the youthful listener. Of course my interest in shells has led me to study the science of shells - conchology- and to notice interesting items upon the subject wherever met with. The researches of the famous English cruiser "Challenger" revealed many secrets held long concealed by old Ocean; and while exploring the bed of the Atlantic for the pathway of the cable, shelled animals were obtained at a depth of 1900 fathoms, or about two miles, and specimens have been secured in 2425 fathoms, or nearly three miles. Probably the finest shells known come from the isles of the South Seas, cast up on the sloping beaches of these ever green emeralds of the ocean by the breakers of the mighty Pacific. At Cebu, in the Philippine Islands, the writer has found some of the rarest shells in his collection, and has bought shell cups and spoons made from the univalve shells. When they are cut, cleaned, and polished the interior shows a vivid orange tint mingled with a pearly coating. Strewn along the beaches of numerous South Pacific islets, all but unknown to the average navigator, is found the Pearly Nautilus, supposed by seamen to be furnished with a membrane which serves as a sail. There are four species to be seen living. Here too the beautiful Natica, a species of marine gastropod, with its glassy shell regularly streaked with yellow bars, is found in its sandy hiding-place. Here also is the beautifully polished and tinted Oliva. Fine specimens of mother-of-pearl may be found, and a perfect kaleidoscope of intermingling color greets the eye at every step. On one of the countless islands of the South Pacific, while gathering shells, not noticing that the sun had nearly set and deep shadows were creeping out from the banana and cocoa palms, I heard an unusual commotion among a combined party of monkeys and parroquets that were in a beautiful fan-palm whose branches reached to within a few feet of the feathery, tumbling surf. The search for shells would have led directly under the rustling foliage, and but for the noise made by the birds and monkeys this story about shells would probably never have been written. Coiled amid the thick leaves and vines was a big snake, I think a boa-constrictor, whose flashing eyes and great jaws came into view as I cautiously advanced. One glance was sufficient. I had no weapons, and I made a retreat to the little boat on the beach. The island was left in a hurry, and the rapidly growing darkness, coming at once after the tropical sunset, effectually shut out all objects from view. But the lesson taught by that meeting was not forgotten; and from that day, whenever indulging in a ramble on unknown ground, I have carried a gun. At Singapore the opportunities to secure shells of great variety in colors, forms, and sizes are not surpassed at any point in India. Here may be found specimens from all parts of the Malayan Archipelago, the coasts of Siam, Burma, Ceylon, and China. Mother the nautilus or spider-shell, are obtained here, and are considered curiosities. They are of all shapes and forms, resembling baskets, stars, and diamonds, but none is to be found larger than a pin's head. Just across the famous old Straits of Malacca is the sultanate of Johore. Receiving permission to view the little Malay country, the writer, assisted by two trained and armed shikarries, improved the opportunity to secure some shells. Engaging the shikarries was a wise precaution, as the shell district at one point borders on the confines of a dense jungle where tigers were known to lurk. There were many beautiful specimens of tree-shells as well as of "green snail," a strictly land species of short, spiral form, in color a pale, greenlemon tint, suffused with yellow. Suddenly my labors were interrupted by the elder shikarry, whose deep guttural exclamation and eyes flashing with excitement attracted my attention. "Hist, sahib!-be wary," he whispered. "Look, there is Kya! Kya!" (Tiger). I must confess this startling piece of news was more than I had really expected when glanced along the sights, and with the report a I left the spacious bungalow of the Sultan. Moving back a pace or two beyond the shadow of the thickly interlaced underbrush, I took from the shikarry's hand the heavy rifle he always carried. The next instant out stalked a tiger, who came clear of the shrubbery, swaggering along with the peculiar gait of a tiger when he is on the prowl. The raising of the cumbersome weapon to nervously from side to side, while one huge paw remained uplifted, as if he was undecided just what action to take. Not a muscle in the natives quivered; motionless as statues, they stood in the rear, their spotless turbans gleaming in the flood of sunshine, leaving all to the superior prowess of the white man. Hastily my eye low, menacing growl issued from the muscular throat, as with a mighty bound the powerful brute disappeared within the depths of the dark, drowsy jungle. I had missed him in the hurry and excitement of a first shot, and, somewhat abashed, shell-hunting was abandoned for that day. The shikarries probably had a quiet laugh at my expense, but of course they were too well trained to exhibit the slightest trace of levity in presence of their master's guest. Pearl-shells are valuable, and fine specimens are hard to obtain. They are found in the Treamotee, Gambier, and Trihual groups of islands. The choicest come from Macassar; these are the whiteedged shells, worth $800 a ton, and from these the finest pearl buttons are manufactured. The most celebrated pearl-fisheries lie near the coast of Ceylon, the Persian Gulf, and in the waters of Java and Sumatra. The Australian coast in the neighborhood of Shank's Bay and at Roebuck Bay furnishes some very large shells, some of them weighing from two to three pounds each. The fisheries of Baja, Gulf of California, are very rich, France controlling the gems procured there. The meat of the pearloyster is readily bought by the Chinamen, who dry the leathery little bivalves or seal them up in cans and ship them to their countrymen in San Francisco. The pearl-shells readily sell upon the spot at from $1.50 to $5 per pound. Pearls and tears have for ages been associated, and the magic virtues of the pearl were held in high esteem in early times, as they are to-day with the East Indians. It is said that Queen Margaret Tudor, consort of James IV. of Scotland, previous to the battle of Flodden Field had many presentiments of the disastrous issue of that conflict, owing to a dream she had three nights in succession, that jewels and sparkling coronets were suddenly turned into pearls - which the superstitious believed were a sign of coming widowhood and of tears. Pearls are of various colors, and in India the and is rapidly disappearing before the savage assaults of thundering breakers, and before long the blue waters of the Gulf will sweep over it. red pearls were highly prized by the Buddhists, Though lacking the gorgeous tropical surroundings and picturesque scenery of the Orient, the shimmering, sandy surfaces, scarcely peeping above the foam-capped billows, have been found rich in brightly tinted and peculiarly shaped shells. The scene, too, At St. Joseph's Bay, a few miles to the eastward of Hurricane Island, a safe and commodious harbor is formed by a narrow arm of sanddunes. Along their glistening shores a variety FISHERMEN'S SHACKS. ST. JOSEPH'S BAY, FLORIDA. along the Gulf Coast is by no means devoid of of delicate and pretty shells has been gathered. beauty and novelty. At Hurricane Island, the entrance to St. Andrew's Sound on the west coast of Florida, a few pretty-colored Ark, Cockle, Drill, and Naiad shells have been secured. Here also is found the exquisitely polished Oliva shell, varying from a light drab to a deep, rich mot EGMONT KEY. tled brown. It leaves only a slight trail in the fluffy sand where it burrows for a hidingplace, and it requires a sharp and practised eye to discover its lurking-place. Hurricane Isl Thrown on the sloping borders by the restless waves, nestle the peculiar-shaped Sinistral, the clean-cut Turbinella, the cone-shaped Virnestas, and innumerable Winkles, which destroy large numbers of oysters by drilling their shells and sucking their juices. On the same beach my son, while quietly selecting a few choice, colored mollusks, was startled by a sudden, vicious grunt, and glancing up, was startled by the spectacle of a genuine Florida hog, a "razor-back," charging down upon him at full speed. With back arched, stiff bristles standing erect with rage, long, curved tusks protruding from the foam-flecked snout, and villainous eyes snapping with rage, the angry beast came on. Altogether he was a formidable-appearing brute, and in point of ferocity not to be trifled with. Startled by the sudden attack, the young man retreated precipitately into the water, the only means of escape open to him, where, waist-deep, he opened fire from a heavy navy-revolver. Not long afterward, in the petty-officers' mess, there was a glorious banquet on wild hog. Along the Florida reefs, once the home of the daring and wicked wrecker, beautiful shells Upon many of the lone and desolate sand are thrown up by the waves of the Gulf; while along the chain of little keys or islands jutting out to the westward from Key West toward Tortugas, where towers Fort Jefferson, the celebrated solitary fortress of the Gulf, are found the pretty brown-mottled shells that cling to submerged roots of thick and tangled mangrove bushes, the natural haunt and home of the water-moccasin. At Tortugas a number of Conchs, King and Queen, were secured in the surf; also many delicate patterns of sea-ferns, brilliant in many colors. At Sanibal Island is found the righthanded fan-shell, said to be obtainable at only three or four places in the world. This shell, the spiral being reversed, is mentioned as a rarity by Jules Verne in his interesting book, "Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea." islets, where tradition says that the pirates and buccaneers of old once found a congenial haunt, are beaches rich in shell treasures, but they have been thoroughly tramped over by collectors. Reminiscences of boat adventures in the rolling lines of breakers on the coast of Africa, or while hunting for the brilliant Abalones in the Gulf of California, or in seeking for mother-ofpearl on the wild coast of Australia, with happenings that include sharks, a narrow escape from the black natives of New Zealand, and a battle with monkeys on the Coromandel coast, might be included in this description of shellhunting; but possibly sufficient has been recounted to convince the reader that even in so tame a pursuit as shell-gathering one may now and again happen upon exciting situations. A MARVEL. BY CAROLYN WELLS. AN old astronomer there was With estimates correct; And when the skies I contemplate, I know what to expect. When dark'ning clouds obscure my sight, I think perhaps 't will rain; And when the stars are shining bright, I know 't is clear again." And then abstractedly he scanned The heavens, hour by hour, Old Ptolemy Copernicus Flammarion McGower. |