David goes voyaging

In Short

This is a firsthand account of a scientific expedition to the Galápagos and Cocos Islands, told by a boy who spent his school vacation as a member of the Arcturus crew. Alongside seasoned naturalists, he explores rugged volcanic terrain, encounters rare wildlife, and participates in the daily life of a research vessel. The book has lasted because it captures the pure, unvarnished enthusiasm of a child witnessing the natural world, offering a unique, ground-level perspective on a significant oceanographic voyage from the early twentieth century.

The Story

The narrative follows the Arcturus, a vessel equipped for the New York Zoological Society, as it departs for the Pacific. The journey begins with a passage through the Panama Canal, where the crew encounters crocodiles and explores the ruins of Old Panama. Soon, the ship reaches the Galápagos Islands, a landscape of lava, cactus, and rare, fearless wildlife. The expedition members set up camp on islands like Tower and Hood, where they observe frigate birds and boobies that show no fear of humans, allowing the boy to handle them and collect specimens for the zoo and museum.

A central thread of the narrative involves the scientific work of the ship. The crew uses dredging equipment to pull samples from the ocean floor, discovering bizarre deep-sea fish and strange glowing creatures. The ship is also equipped with a diving helmet, which allows the narrator and his mentor, Uncle Will, to walk on the ocean floor to observe fish and avoid or document sharks. Life on board is marked by daily soundings, the meticulous preservation of specimens by taxidermists, and the constant, exciting threat of natural hazards.

The expedition reaches a climax when they observe a major volcanic eruption on Albemarle Island. The narrative describes the terrifying spectacle of molten lava pouring into the sea, killing marine life and creating a stark, fiery contrast to the beauty of the surrounding waters. Throughout the journey, the crew experiences minor adventures, such as catching a massive 2,400-pound ray that requires a coordinated team effort to land. The narrator also recounts the history of the islands, including legends of pirate treasure and stories of shipwrecked men who survived on island wildlife.

As the voyage draws to a close, the crew celebrates the narrator’s twelfth birthday with a pirate-themed party, reflecting the camaraderie built over months at sea. The book concludes with the ship’s departure, having successfully collected enough specimens to fill the exhibits at the Bronx Zoo and the American Museum of Natural History. The narrator reflects on the rare deep-sea life he brought home, including starfish and small fish, and looks forward to seeing his collected specimens in the public exhibits in New York, solidifying the transition from a boy on a "sublimated hooky" to a contributor to the scientific record.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The narrator joins the Arcturus expedition, leaving behind his school life to live on a ship filled with laboratories, taxidermists, and scientific equipment. He immediately begins participating in the collection of specimens, starting with butterflies and fish in the waters near Panama.

Explorations in the Galápagos The crew lands on various volcanic islands, where they spend their days hiking over sharp lava, collecting birds' eggs, and observing sea lions and frigate birds. The narrator describes the difficulty of walking on the terrain and the constant, intense heat of the equatorial sun.

The diving experience The team utilizes a heavy brass helmet to explore the shallow waters, providing the narrator with a glimpse into a world of vibrant, colorful fish. He recounts his initial fear of the forty-pound helmet but quickly finds the experience to be "grand fun."

A brush with danger The expedition observes a dramatic volcanic eruption on Albemarle Island, watching as lava flows turn the ocean into a boiling, hazardous zone for local wildlife. The danger is underscored by the sight of fish and sea lions struggling against the sudden, extreme environmental change.

The final success After months of dredging, fishing, and exploring, the team captures a massive ray, marking a triumphant end to their research. The narrator reflects on his growth, his collection of rare specimens, and the memories of his time aboard the Arcturus.

The People

David Binney Putnam, the young narrator, seeks to learn about the world beyond his classroom. While he is initially inexperienced, his curiosity drives him to explore dangerous coves and handle wildlife. He evolves from a student into an active participant who understands the rigors of scientific labor.

William Beebe, the mentor and expedition leader, wants to test his own reactions to nature through the eyes of a young person. He facilitates David's participation, standing as a guide who balances safety with the necessity of scientific discovery.

Don Dickerman, a fellow crew member, provides companionship and helps facilitate the more adventurous aspects of the trip, such as hunting for treasure at Cocos Island. He serves as a role model for David, teaching him how to navigate the challenges of island life.

Serge Chetyrkin, the Russian taxidermist, represents the technical side of the mission. Despite a language barrier, he teaches David the patience required to preserve fragile specimens, and his presence highlights the global, collaborative nature of the scientific community on board.

In Its Own Voice

"This Arcturus, the boat on which we are to take our trip, is named for the great star which sailors use as a guiding star in sailing strange seas."

The narrator provides this description of the vessel at the beginning of the voyage, establishing the ship's purpose.

"The volcano was erupting on the slope of the mountain, not on the top, and there were many other little places from which smoke and cinders were coming through besides just the one big crater."

This observation captures the narrator’s direct witness of the geological activity on Albemarle Island.

"I think I had the most fun at Hood Island, because the beach was so long and the shore line was so easy to explore."

Looking back at the trip, the narrator highlights the freedom of movement he enjoyed while exploring the unique geography of the Galápagos.

What It's Really About

The book explores the intersection of youthful wonder and the systematic pursuit of scientific knowledge. It argues that direct, physical engagement with the environment is a primary way to understand the natural world. Beneath the excitement of the hunt for giant rays or volcanic craters, the book asks how a child’s mind processes the vast, often indifferent power of nature. It presents the scientific method not as a dry academic process, but as a hands-on, often messy, and deeply rewarding way to categorize the unknown. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of observation and the human connection to the wild, showing how even a young boy can participate in the serious business of global scientific inquiry.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy maritime adventure, natural history, or coming-of-age travelogues will find this account particularly rewarding. It provides an authentic look at a 1920s scientific expedition, capturing a time when naturalists traveled the world to catalog biodiversity before modern technology changed the nature of discovery.

The prose is straightforward and unsentimental, reflecting the voice of a boy who is genuinely fascinated by what he sees. Modern readers should be aware that the book contains period attitudes toward nature—such as the hunting and collecting of animals for museums and zoos—which were standard practice at the time but may feel jarring today. The text includes accounts of animal deaths, captures, and the shooting of seals for research, which offer a historical window into early-twentieth-century conservation. Despite these challenges, the book is a charming and remarkably clear-eyed look at a boy’s journey to the edges of the map. It stays with you as a testament to the thrill of exploration and the joy of finding one's place in a vast, unpredictable, and endlessly fascinating world.