THAT GREAT LEVIATHAN. 37 



and filling generally, we get a sharp squall, with 

 rain, from the eastward, and then the old salts 

 cast at each other significant glances, which, if 

 rightly interpreted, would say, " I believe we've 

 got the Trades at last ! " After a few hours, the 

 wind moderates and hauls to the northward. All 

 sail is set again, with the breeze fresh and free, 

 and we go bowling along to the southward at the 

 rate of ten knots an hour. 



Oh, the beautiful world of waters ! Almost 

 every day we pass ships showing the flags of 

 different nations, some near and others in the far 

 distance, all under a press of canvas, and all seem- 

 ing to revel in the bright sunshine and the breeze. 

 The water, too — so warm and so transparent — 

 is full of life. Porpoises, dolphins, albicore, and 

 barricota are gambolling and sporting in the sum- 

 mer sea. Thousands of birds are on the wing or 

 resting on the waves, while not infrequently a 

 huge fin-back, or sulphur whale rolls lazily along, 

 now throwing clouds of misty spray into the air, 

 and again lashing the water into foam with its 

 broad flukes, doubtless to rid himself of the 

 numerous parasites which persistently strive to 

 fasten themselves upon these worthless vagabonds. 

 Vitality and loveliness are above, beneath and 

 around us, and we seem verily to be sailing on a 



