28 GREEN HANDS SEA-SICK. 



men ; nor were they on the whole ignorant, as I 

 found by conversation — all being thoroughly con- 

 versant with the leading topics of the day, and each, 

 like every true American, had his individual opinion 

 of the merits of newspaper notorieties, politics, and 

 other matters that engross the American mind ; but we 

 left them fast asleep, and as I, in the interim, have 

 spun a long yarn, it is time to conclude, as the 

 helmsman sings out "Eight bells." A hoarse call is 

 now heard at the forecastle of " Starbowlines, ahoy!" 

 and as the breeze has freshened and the vessel is gently 

 pitching, we will step into the forecastle and criticise 

 the appearance of our green hands. Part of them 

 are out of their bunks indulging in the most lachry- 

 mose expressions, scarce able to dress, for fear the 

 vessel's motion will destroy their equilibrium — and 

 "I wish I was at home," is the general cry; some 

 cannot muster resolution enough to get out of their 

 berths, others have thus far succeeded, but only to 

 resume a recumbent position on their chests, whilst 

 a few with set teeth and praiseworthy resolution, 

 manage to get upon deck, and grasp the rigging 

 on the fife rail enclosing the foremast; there they 

 stand, incapable of altering their position, hanging 

 on with a pertinacity worthy of a better cause, staring 

 in stupid vacancy at all around them, and when 

 receiving an officer's order, acknowledging it by a 

 sickly, unmeaning grin, to express their willingness, 

 but inability to perform. Ofiicers are required to 

 exercise the utmost patience and forbearance in the 

 management of such a crew ; instead of an active, 

 able ship's company, such as they have been accus- 

 tomed to sail with, here they have an assortment of 



