Page:History of New South Wales from the records, Volume 2.djvu/390

 330 DIBASTEB TO Salt-water to allay thirst. 8ea.birdfl plentiful. 1789 our jill of water. The heat and fever of our bodies increased, and our lips began to break out in watery and ulcerous blisters. This day one of the crew, being afraid of famishing, requested his whole quantity of water for the day at one serving, which Mr. Clemonts opposed. He therefore had recourse to salt-water, of which he drank freely. At five in the morning got the top-mast up, and set the top-sail ; at ten fresh gales, lowered and took in the top- sail. In these seas are constantly vast numbers of sea-fowl flying about ; and had we been fortunate enough to have had a fowling- piece we could not have been much at a loss for provisions- Powder and shot we had in store, and two brace of pistols, but were unable to do any execution with them. Dec. 29. — ^This day cut up and divided our last fowl, and shared our water as before. At daybreak strong gales, with flying showans Slight rain, of rain, from which we endeavoured to benefit as much as possible by facing the weather with our mouths open and handkerchiefs spread out ; but the drifting moisture was so thin and light that we were barely able to catch sufficient to wet our lips. This morning we received a small thimbleful of rum each, whidi was occasionally allowed. Dec. 30. — We were this day reduced to a very low ebb indeed, and could not eat the smallest crumb till supplied with an addi- tional measure of water to moisten our lips, which were almost held together by a tough viscid phlegm that could not be expectorated but with the greatest difficulty. On this occasion we dipped our bit of biscuit in the water ; and afterwards supped a little of it with each mouthful to force it down. The butter, cheese, and hams were left free for the use of everyone, for they were found to occasion greater thirst, and therefore remained almost untouched. Several of the crew had again recourse to the salt-water, which appeared not to have any bad effect. Dec. 31. — We again suffered greatly this day from the burning heat of the sun, and the parched state of our bodies, and were allowed an additional measure of water, with a larger portion of rum than usual, in which we soaked our bit of biscuit^ and made our meal of it. About four in the afternoon the clouds began to shew for rain, and we made preparations accordingly ; but were so unfortunate as to see it fall in heavy showers all around us, and had barely as much over the boat as would wet our handkerchi^. strength failing. Drinkine salt-water. Excessive heat Rain.