Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 64.djvu/49

Rh The discussion has at least succeeded in establishing the fact that the Bahamas are on the whole inferior to the Tortugas, for despite their good coral reefs, their pelagic and littoral faunæ are relatively poor. Nutting who directed one of the most successful biological expeditions ever sent to the Bahamas, is emphatic in declaring the superiority of the Tortugas. The prevalent winds prevent the floating life of the Gulf Stream from reaching the Bahamas, whereas they

constantly drift the pelagic creatures of the stream upon the Tortugas.

Next to Jamaica, Porto Rico appears to be the favorite among the Antilles; the southern shore, Mayaguez, and Culebra Island being especially recommended. Judging from the published results of the Fish Hawk expedition of 1898-99 under the auspices of the United States Fish Commission, the littoral fauna is remarkably good, although I am informed on excellent authority that the pelagic hauls of the expedition were poor. The social conditions of Porto Rico appear to be not so good as those of Jamaica, and its land fauna and