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Rational J^ecKeftiioN.
HOATINU.
•
The day so mild Is heaven’s own child With earth and ocean reconciled;
The airs I feel Around me steal Are murmuring to the murmuring keel."’—T. B. Reed.
10 A TIN G—rowing, sailing, yachting—is among the popular pas-
11	lljljl times which are enjoyed by visitors as well as the resident citi-zens on the Coast. The numerous symmetrical hulls and shining masts lying at anchorage at the wharfs and pier-heads of the towns 4* along the Sound, and the white sails that fleck its bosom almost every 1 clear day, show how popular this exhilarating pleasure is.
The long and narrow islands off the Coast—Isle au Pied, Cat Island, Ship Island, Horn Island and Dauphin Island, besides several small ones, as Deer Island, Round Island, etc.,—constitute a breakwater to the high waves of the Gulf during severe storms. They are a fortunate provision of nature for they interpose a barrier against the action of heavy seas upon the mainland, which otherwise would strike the shore with tremendous and destructive force.
These islands are the objective point of many parties of excursionists. The waters of Mobile Bay and the Sound, bays and bayous along the Coast, offer to the lovers of boating, opportunities to enjoy this delightful recreation, unsurpassed in the world. These waters are frequently the scene of exciting contests between regatta clubs. There are many localities where, so far as au eligible course is required, nothing better can be desired.
The government station on Ship Island is sometimes the objective point of boating parties, and also of fishing bouts. Cat Island presents an unique object of some interest—an immense dune of white, shining sand. Seen from the mainland in a clear, dry day this lofty cone of sand stands out against the horizon like a pyramid of snow. It is not an uncommon