before stated, the water within the reef was as calm as a pond;
and, as there was no wind, it was quite clear, from the surface to
the bottom, so that we could see down easily even at a depth of
twenty or thirty yards. When Jack and I dived in shallower water,
we expected to have found sand and stones, instead of which we
found ourselves in what appeared really to be an enchanted garden.
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 pure
white. Among this there grew large quantities of sea-weed 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