
NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 343) 
would rise very high, yet the top of it was smooth, and never 
broke where the oil was. It was raging, pitching and breaking 
close to her on each side, but not a barrel of water fell upon her 
deck the whole distance. The vessel was so old and tender that 
she went all to pieces in a very short time after the crew, with 
their clothing and provisions, were saved.” 
With regard to this phospheresence of the sea, at times 
there are magnificent displays of it here. Among the early 
inhabitants it was the cause of much alarm, and augmented the 
many stories of the supernatural told in connection with the 
place. Its first appearance to one of the superintendents, is 
recorded in the journals of the Island as follows : 
“Last night a singular phenomenon appeared on the south 
side. The sea being high, and the night very dark, the breaking 
of the sea would exhibit at intervals of from 5 to 10 minutes a 
phosphorescent light. In some places it would be seen through the 
eulches on the south side. When the beach was low, and the 
sea broke high, it would rise in a great bright light to the height 
of 15 or 20 feet, like an enormous fire, yet only to be seen at 
certain places at a time.” Xv 
In other places it is spoken of as the sea being on fire. 
It generally appears after much southerly wind, and is 
probably brought by the drift, or surface current, from the Gulf 
Stream. 
In the short time allotted me this evening, Mr. PRESIDENT, 
I can but glance at the many interesting phenomena of the 
Island and its surroundings. These facts and incidences are 
such as I have been able to obtain from available documents, as 
well as from personal observation. From these facts I have 
deduced certain inferences, the plausibility of which I humbly 
subuitt to the judgment of the Institute. as 
On some future occasion I hope to present’ to you in detail 
what is, perhaps, the most interesting and important feature in 
connectien with this Island, viz—ITs CHANGED POsITION, 
