One of the neglected fields of Soto research is the water depths his fleet encountered upon approaching its landing place. Each of the narrators recorded sounding information that provides exact clues.

Lacking precise navigation instruments, early mariners put great store in water depths and sea floor composition. This measurement and sampling was obtained with the leadline described earlier.

A hollow in the bottom of the lead was packed with tallow to which particles of the sea bed would adhere. The relation of depth to sea-floor composition was carefully noted in the ship's log and later incorporated in commercial "portolans," or sailing instructions. This relationship is so unique, almost like finger prints, that experienced sailors can tell where they are simply by determining what kind of sand, mud or shell lies beneath them.

Soto, in his brief letter home, did not give any specifics about soundings. However, he does con-firm that the mouth of the port was hard to find, and that he was delayed three days while a channel within the bay was found and the heavy ships moved ahead cautiously.

Ranjel, Soto's secretary, is more specific. He says "the fleet came to anchor two leagues from shore in four fathoms of water or less." The search for the mouth of the port took up the better part of two days, Soto and his scouting party sleeping overnight at a deserted seaside Indian village belonging to Chief Ocita.

In spite of Soto's precaution, two ships scraped the bar; but as it was "sandy" they received no damage. The ships entered the harbor constantly sounding the lead. Sometimes they touched bottom, "but as it was mud they passed on." All of this took five days according to Ranjel, apparently including both the advance reconnaissance and the fleet maneuvers.

Finally the ships anchored about four leagues short of the objective village "on account of the shoals." At this point, the horses and men were put ashore; and General Porcallo sailed ahead in the brigantines to take possession of the main village of Ocita.

During all that week the ships gradually approached the village, being unloaded little by little with boats until the provisions were ashore.