Page:The founding of South Australia.djvu/189

 my goats, and performs upon the pigs and sheep the kindly offices of the butcher when occasion requires.

" &hellip; I shall confine my remarks to Captain Duff, whose conduct in every respect merits the warmest encomiums. He appears to be a thorough sailor, decisive and skilful; he pays equal attention to all the passengers; has no favourites apparently, and is, therefore, a general favourite &hellip;

"July 18th.—The wind fell in the night, and for four hours we were absolutely becalmed. This proved exceedingly trying to my poor wife, for the ship being no longer steadied by the wind, and there being so much sea, it was tossed about in a very disagreeable manner. The waves, which broke against her with considerable violence, gave the idea at night of a storm &hellip; Mr. Everard's advice not having alleviated H.'s sufferings, I requested the assistance of another medical gentleman on board (Mr. Slater), who suggested a swinging cot, which, being arranged with a few trifling alterations, produced greater comfort &hellip;

"July 20th.—Flocks of flying-fish have surrounded the vessel to-day, and have afforded much amusement.

"July 23rd.—H. is now quite well, and for the last two days has enjoyed herself on the deck. Yesterday we entered the torrid zone; the heat is, however, not at all oppressive to any of the party. The thermometer in my cabin is generally 78°, but the thorough draft, which we manage at almost all times to keep up, renders the temperature agreeable. Some of the passengers in the intermediate cabin, last week manifested discontent. One complained of the bread, another of the beef, another of the wine; indeed, each had some complaint to make, but, rather a subject for marvel, no two agreed on the same complaint &hellip;

"Seeing that the real cause of the discontent was idleness and ennui, it occurred to me that it would be well to get up some general amusement, and I consequently proposed to enrol a body of volunteers to be drilled.