24 THE swallow's nest. 



ing of the 20th of July, and with favouring 

 breezes sailed for the Russian settlement of 

 New Archangel, on the north-west coast of 

 America. 



At sunset the majestic mountains of Kamt- 

 schatka appeared for the last time within our 

 horizon, and at a vast distance. This despised 

 and desolate country may perhaps one day 

 become a Russian Mexico. The only treasure 

 of which we robbed it was, a swallow''s nest ! 

 I mention it, because it long supplied the whole 

 ship''s company with amusement. 



In the harbour of St. Peter and St. Paul, 

 there is sufficient depth of water close to the 

 shore to admit of landing by means of a plank 

 only. This proximity led a pair of swallows to 

 mistake our frigate for a building upon terra- 

 firma, and to the infinite delight of the sailors, 

 who regarded it as a lucky omen, they delibe- 

 rately built themselves a nest close to my cabin. 

 Undisturbed by the noise in the ship, the loving 

 pair hatched their brood in safety, fed their 

 young ones with the tenderest care, and cheered 

 them with joyous songs. But when on a sudden 



