Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/65

 flying fish, shoals of dolphins, the sun fish, or the sword fish, or the leviathan whale; boobies roosting on the yard arms and getting caught; Mother Carey's chickens fluttering under the stern, and giving us warning of a coming storm, or the stately albatross soaring along from horizon to horizon without once flapping his wing. The aspect of the sky and the sea has each its own peculiar attraction. Brooding hurricanes, bursting water-spouts, rolling thunder, drenching showers. In southern latitudes, the sunset presents a sight of wonderful beauty and magnificence, representing the most picturesque landscapes in the most gorgeous colours, which but for their evanescence might be mistaken for reality. Even the starry vault of heaven has undergone a sea change. Our old familiar constellations have sunk beneath the wave and new clusters have taken their place, of equal splendour. Besides, trifles light as air fortunately attract attention. A passing sail, a distant headland, a branch of seaweed, or a floating spar, all contribute to the amusement of the party. He who has a taste for study, and a desire to improve himself, may turn his time on board ship to very good account. He ought to devote a portion of every day to revising his professional studies, to reading works on general literature, and those bearing upon India. Should any of his fellow