ITS EFFECTS. 9 
to be exposed had not been duly estimated, 
and the moveable articles in the cabins were 
generally ill secured. This was particularly 
the case in the state-cabin, occupied by twen- 
ty persons: not a table or a chair would re- 
main in its place; every thing rolling about in 
its own stupid way, in defiance of all rule and 
order. The frolicsome young officers were de- 
lighted with the confusion ; and even our sea- 
sick men of science could not refrain from 
laughter when a well-fed pig, which, disturbed 
by the inconvenience, had taken refuge on the 
hatchway, ventured from thence to intrude 
itself among them by a spring through the open 
window, and looked around in pitiable amaze- 
ment on finding that, amidst the general cla- 
mour, repose was no more attainable in a state- 
cabin than in its own humble abode. I was 
meanwhile occupied in narrowly observing the 
vessel that was to bear us through so many and 
long-enduring difficulties. Amidst the conflict of 
the elements, a commander becomes acquainted 
with his ship, as in the storms of life we learn 
duly to appreciate our friends. I weighed the 
defects of mine against its good qualities, and 
B 5 
