The whole of the bottom of the
lagoon, as we called the calm water within the reef, was covered with
coral of every shape, size, and hue. Some portions were formed like
large mushrooms; others appeared like the brain of a man, having stalks
or necks attached to them; but the most common kind was a species of
branching coral, and some portions were of a lovely pale pink colour,
others were pure white. Among this there grew large quantities of
seaweed of the richest hues imaginable, and of the most graceful forms;
while innumerable fishes--blue, red, yellow, green, and striped--sported
in and out amongst the flower-beds of this submarine garden, and did
not appear to be at all afraid of our approaching them.
On darting to the surface for breath, after our first dive, Jack and I
rose close to each other.
"Did you ever in your life, Ralph, see anything so lovely?" said Jack,
as he flung the spray from his hair.
"Never," I replied. "It appears to me like fairy realms. I can scarcely
believe that we are not dreaming."
"Dreaming!" cried Jack; "do you know, Ralph, I'm half tempted to think
that we really are dreaming. But if so, I am resolved to make the most
of it, and dream another dive; so here goes--down again, my boy!"
We took the second dive together, and kept beside each other while
under water; and I was greatly surprised to find that we could keep
down much longer than I ever recollect having done in our own seas at
home.
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