64 
As no instance ever occurred of any falling on deck after the 
night was fairly set in, it may be inferred that they cease 
flying during the dark, probably because their enemies cease 
then to pursue them. 
* The Albicore (Scomber Thynnus) seemed to weigh from 
100 to 200 pounds, We hooked several, but our bonito 
tackle was too weak to hold them, and they invariably snap- 
ped either the line or the hook. "The spring they make at 
their prey would, independently of their mere weight, break 
any tackle of ordinary strength. They dart four or five yards 
out of the water, and frequently catch the flying-fish at that 
height, at other times they follow it as it flies above them, and 
seize it the instant it drops into the water. From their con- 
stantly attending the course of the vessel and our never 
observing any pursuing a different course, I am inclined to 
believe it was the same shoal that followed us the whole way. 
* We no sooner parted company with the Ælbicores, than 
we fell in with the Gulph-weed, or Sargasso (Fucus natans). 
This singular plant, which alone enjoys the privilege of rang- _ 
ing over the ocean at large, forms at times entire patches of 
more than an acre in extent; at other times, its tufts arrange 
themselves in parallel lines at the distance of 20 or 30 fathoms 
asunder, in conformity to the direction of the wind. The 
weed itself is of a dull orange brown colour, but appears 
surrounded with a halo, the water seen through the branches, 
as well as that which immediately surrounds the outline of 
the tuft, being of a vivid ccerulean blue, strongly contrasted 
with the dark indigo hue of the sea. The small crabs, also, 
which nestle among this weed, are surrounded with a similar 
halo when they swim from one tuft to another. 
** On the 8th July we came to anchor in Fayal Roads, and 
remained there for two days. The morning after our arrival 
the whole of us went ashore, and waited on the British Con- 
sul, Mr. Parkin, who, according to the etiquette of the place, 
introduced us to the Governor, a young military officer from 
Brazil, and afterwards to the Judge. He then took us to 
visit the American Consul, Mr. Daubeney, who showed us 
his house, the best built, by far, and best furnished dwelling in 
