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1831.] performed, outrageous to Christianity and to civilization. We passed under the vertical sun on the 2nd of 11th mo. having had a fine breeze since crossing the equator. Within the tropics, the sky at sunset frequently presents a scene of great beauty, in the softest tints. Blue is the prevailing colour in the zenith; nearer the horizon, verdigris green is shaded into rose colour, and sometimes into glowing red; with which also some of the patches of rich brown cloud of various shade are tinged. A purple shade is cast over the ocean, which is seldom rough; and the atmosphere being of a pleasant warmth, the effect of the whole is remarkably soothing and luxurious.

On the 4th of 11th mo. we passed between the rocks of Martin Vaz and the little island of Trinidad, off the coast of South America. As we approached them, the swell became bolder, and some Terns and Black Gulls, and a few Boobies were seen. The sight of land was cheering, notwithstanding, it was only that of an uninhabited island, and of the grotesque rocks occupied by sea fowl, depicted in the annexed etching.

On the 12th, the remains of an old man of some piety, named John Salmon, were committed to the deep. He had been in declining health from the time he came on board. His situation among a number who were swift to do evil, was painful, but he bore it patiently. On being inquired of, a short time before he died, if he felt peaceful, he replied, that he was very comfortable; and on being asked, if all his hope was in Christ, he said, "O yes! it had need." Last night, the corpse, wrapped in a blanket and sewed up in a hammock, with three eighteen pound shots to make it sink, was brought on deck, placed upon a hatch turned upside down, and covered with a union jack. This morning it was removed to the quarter-deck, around which the passengers and crew were seated. A flag was hoisted half-mast high, and the vessel was laid to, or made still upon the waters. The Captain read the funeral service of the Episcopal Church for such occasions; and when he came to the words, "Commit the remains, &c. to the deep," the men who were stationed for the purpose, removed the union jack, raised the head of the hatch, and launched the corpse over the ship's side into the ocean, in which it instantly sunk. At this moment a cry of