Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/48

 *dogs, a species of rainbow, without either pillar or arch, having only a base, and being thought symptomatic of windy, squally weather. The horizon at sun-set glowing with crimson, pink, and blue, the perfection of beauty. This being the 60th day of our passage, we have yet 3,000 miles to sail, and stores for 10 days only. Distress and famine are predicted. The men grumble about long days' work, and short allowance of food and sleep; more of the latter is given, and as to the former, they intend redressing themselves. At this distance from land, we saw a land-bird.

25th.—Met a fine Grampus. Rose at five, a. m. and laid aside my winter dress. Saw a few dolphins. {13} I find my eyes glisten with returning health, after a week's fine weather and a favourable wind, which has done more for us than the three preceding weeks.

28th.—Lat. 28°, and a fine trade-wind, N. E. Every thing outward wears a propitious aspect, but not so within. Only one ounce of ham for my breakfast, and no meat for dinner; but soup made of lean, dry, and dirty salt beef, stewed to rags, and pudding made of flour and water only. Feel however my spirits healed, and find mercy mixed in this bitter cup, to be long remembered with blessings and praise.

March 1st.—Stripped to my shirt all day. Sailing eight knots an hour, in lat. 32°. Saw this night the young moon in a position new to me, lying horizontally, flat on her back, as the sailors say, with her horns upward; a sign of fine dry weather. A regular trade-wind, and at sunrise and set, the sky full of beautiful blushing amber clouds, of indescribable richness, but common in this latitude. The sea, by reflection, becomes a flood of gore, especially while these clouds fly round the expansive horizon. The effect was greatly heightened by a huge rain