IN THE TRADE WINDS 28a 



last time, and left Madeira. As soon as we were clear 

 of the land we got the north-east trade again, and it 

 held more or less fresh till about lat. 11° N. 



After our departure from Madeira I took over the 

 morning watch, from 4 to 8 a.m.; Prestrud and 

 Gjertsen divided the remainder of the twenty-four 

 hours. 



In order if possible to get a little more way on the 

 ship, a studding-sail and a skysail were rigged up with 

 two awnings; it did not increase our speed very much, 

 but no doubt it helped a little. 



The highest temperature we observed was 84° F. 

 In the trade winds we constantly saw flying-fish, but 

 as far as I know not one was ever found on deck ; those 

 that came on board were of course instantly snapped up 

 by the dogs. 



In about lat. 11° N. we lost the north-east trade, 

 and thus came into the " belt of calms," a belt that 

 extends on each side of the Equator, between the 

 north-east and south-east trades. Here, as a rule, one 

 encounters violent rain - squalls ; to saihng ships in 

 general and ourselves in particular tliis heavy rain is 

 welcome, as water-tanks can be filled up. Only on one 

 day were we lucky enough to have rain, but as it was 

 accompanied by a strong squall of wind, we did not 

 catch all the water we wanted. All hands were on 

 deck carrying water, some in oilskins, some in Adam's 

 costume; the Chief in a white tropical suit, and, as far 



