Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/32

4 they are considered as the harbingers of a breeze: but notwithstanding this, they are frequently to be seen in the same situation in continued fine weather, especially about meal times, when various crumbs of refuse food are cast overboard, which, floating into the wake of the vessel, are picked up with avidity by these lively little birds, that skim over the surface, sometimes alighting upon the unbroken waves, and running upon them with their webbed feet, balancing themselves by means of their wings, which they hold erect, and ready for flight.

We were off Cape Finisterre, on the N. W. coast of Spain, on the 21st; some of the land seemed of considerable elevation. On the 8th of 10th month, we entered the Torrid Zone; and saw a few Flying-fish; the first living creatures, except the Petrels, that we had seen for many days. A Swallow also cheered us by a visit: it flew many times around the vessel. A great number of Black and White Gulls, and some Porpoises, were seen in the evening. On the 17th, we lost the trade winds, that had urged us on rapidly for many days, and reached a latitude where squalls, often attended by thunder and heavy rain, and dead calms and variable breezes, frequently follow each other in quick succession, the thermometer varying from 78° to 82° in the shade. During a severe squall on the 25th, large patches of phosphorescent light were seen on the surface of the ocean for a short time: they presented a scene of great beauty, the interest of which was not diminished by the raging of the sea. The Swallow noticed on the 8th, and another which joined it, perished in the storm. On the 25th, we were in considerable danger, in consequence of the second mate getting intoxicated, and falling asleep in his watch, when the wind was strong, and only an inexperienced youth, at the wheel by which the vessel is steered. The mate was in consequence degraded from his office.

26th of 10th month, we crossed the Equator in 27° west longitude. None of those disagreeable scenes took place, that are often exhibited on such occasions, and that are as heathenish in their origin as in their practice; in which Neptune is represented by some person, and ceremonies are