1 8 Voyafje of the Novara. 



in the sequel, that even this precaution proved insufficient 

 to protect the ship from the ignition of this highly-com- 

 bustible substance. 



The meteorological observations, and those connected with 

 the physical geography of the sea, were entrusted to four offi- 

 cers, who, like those attached to the watches, had alternately to 

 be at their posts, and had, at prescribed hours, to observe the 

 barometer, thermometer, and psychrometer, as well as the tem- 

 perature of the surface of the sea, the state of the sky and 

 the ocean, and to note down the obtained results. One of 

 the junior officers was intrusted with the nautical observa- 

 tions on shipboard, as well as the astronomical and magnetical 

 on shore. 



The midshipmen were at the same time trained by study 

 and practice, so as to enable them to assist the officers in their 

 duties. Besides the men on the look-out, one of the midshipmen 

 was employed on the same service. In stormy nights, when 

 the wind is howling, and rain or snow falling, this post is cer- 

 tainly not very pleasant, but is, as may readily be imagined, 

 most important. 



Life in the limited space of a ship, completely cut off 

 from the external world, is so peculiar and interesting to 

 those unacquainted with the sea, that we will endeavour to de- 

 scribe a day passed on board the Novara, from the instant when 

 at daybreak the bustle and activity begin, till the late hour 

 when night reminds one of repose, those sweet moments which 

 carry the voyager to his distant home on the wings of a dream. 



