Page:Ornithological biography, or an account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America, vol 2.djvu/385

Rh ture, ardent spirits and more substantial food would prove dangerous to us. The officers, and those persons who from time to time kindly accom- panied us, adopted the same regimen, and not an individual of us had ever to complain of so much as a headach.

But we were under the mangroves — at a great distance on one of the flats, the Heron which I have named Ardea occidentalis was seen moving majestically in great numbers. The tide rose and drove them away, and as they came towards us, to alight and rest for a time on the tallest trees, we shot as many as I wished. I also took under my charge several of their young ahve.

At another time we visited the " Mule Keys."" There the prospect was in many respects dismal in the extreme. As I followed their shores, I saw bales of cotton floating in all the coves, while spars of every de- scription lay on the beach, and far off" on the reefs I could see the last remains of a lost ship, her dismantled hulk. Several schooners were around her ; they were wreckers. I turned me from the sight with a heavy heart. Indeed, as I slowly proceeded, I dreaded to meet the float- ing or cast ashore bodies of some of the unfortunate crew. Our visit to the Mule Keys was in no way profitable, for besides meeting with but a few birds in two or three instances, I was, whilst swimming in the deep channel of a mangrove isle, much nearer a large shark than I wish ever to be again.

"The service" requiring all the attention, prudence and activity of Captain Day and his gallant officers, another cruize took place, of which you will find some account in the sequel ; and while I rest a little on the deck of the Lady of the Green Mantle, let me offer my humble thanks to the Being who has allowed me the pleasure of thus relating to you, kind reader, a small part of my adventures.