University of Iowa - Hawkeye Yearbook (Iowa City, IA)

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ThE gmbaroa EZpEditioft. HF idea, of a Biological Expedition to the Bahamas, by which the students of the University might have an opportunity to study and admire in the living state the various forms of life which had proved so fascinating to them, even in the imperfect condition in which they are preserved in the museum, was originated by Professor C. C. Nutting, some five years ago. At that time he was spending the summer in the Bahamas for the purpose of working out some problems in marine zoology; and the thought occurred to him that such an expedition would be a novel and at the same time a very valuable feature of the University work. So, with the assistance of the captain of the vessel he began to compute the probable cost of such an undertaking. Captain Flowers, whose practical knowledge as a dredger and sailor was valuable, could give fairly accurate estimates concerning the tering of vessel, the wages of the crew, and the cost of apparatus. On his return, Professor Nutting mentioned the project to various parties, but it was not until the fall of ' 91 that matters took a definite shape. Then it was settled that the expedition would start for the Bahamas in the spring of ' 93. When this became known several applications for membership were received; and among the first to apply were two young women. This fact occasioned no little surprise, for such a contingency had not been thought of ; but since the University was a co-educational institution, it was decided that the women should be admitted to the expedition. More applications followed, until any fears that may have existed, lest the undertaking would not meet with hearty support, were banished. The next summer Professor Nutting went east and with the assistance of Captain Flowers secured a suitable vessel, the Emily E. Johnson, a masted fruiting schooner of 115 tons burden, 95 feet long, 26 wide, and 7 deep. In the latter part of April this vessel was turned over to them, and they began to fit it up. There was a cabin aft containing four state rooms, a saloon, and toilet room; this afforded suitable accommodations for the women. Forward, the hold was roomy and dry, and bunks were erected along the sides for the 13

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C. C. NUTTING.

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rtiitirruittttinu accommodation of the men of the party. Here also the dining and laboratory tables were placed, and shelves along the bulk heads gave room for a good library and laboratory equipment. The two hatches were provided with glass skylights. Captain Flowers was secured as sailing master, and a better choice could not have been made, He is a man of the strictest integrity, dignified, and of large experience in the West Indian seas. In regard to equipment, the Executive Committee, Professors Nutting, Calvin, and Weld, communicated with Mr. Benedict of the U. S. Fish Commission and Prof. Alexander Agassiz, Professor Agassiz has had a great deal of practical experience in dredging, as has also Mr. Benedict who was the naturalist in charge of the Albatross, the finest dredger ever built. With valuable suggestions from these men, Professor Weld devised a piece of apparatus which was a model of simplicity and efficiency. This was placed on deck, just forward of the main mast. Before the winter of ' 92 the party was complete, with fourteen men and seven women accepted as members. These were as follows: Misses Edith Prouty, Bertha Wilson, Minnie Howe, Leora Johnson, Maggie Williams, Mrs. Wickham, Mrs. Drew, Professor C. C. Nutting and Instructors H. F. Wickham and G. L. Houser of S. U. I., Professor M. F. Arey of the State Normal 14