26 DEEP-SEA SOUNDING. 



The condition of tiie reel had been growing worse 

 ever since the 9th instant, when it first showed signs 

 of distress, and fears were entertained that it might 

 give out entirely before reaching Cape Town. The 

 greatest care was therefore taken in using it. There 

 being indications of a gale, and wishing to keep ahead 

 of and, if possible, avoid it, I used steam and sail and 

 made from 10 to 11 knots an hour. 



On the 27th, at 7.30 a.m., sounded in 2855 fathoms, 

 lat. ^T,° 48' 46'' S., long. 8° 29' 02" E. — brown ooze ; and 

 again at 4.30 p.m. in 2773 fathoms, lat. 33° 56' 39'' S., 

 long. 9° 52' 24" E. — brown ooze. 



On the 28th, at 7.30 a.m., a cast was taken in 2596 

 fathoms, lat. 34° 00' S., long. 12° 17' 38" E. Charac- 

 ter of bottom the same as for the last few days, viz., 

 brown ooze. 



In the afternoon the ship was swung for compass 

 deviations. 



On the 29th the gale overtook us, but before the sea 

 became too rough we sounded in 2231 fathoms, lat. 34° 

 04' S., long. 15° 49' 11'' K; light brown ooze. 



Soon after this cast was taken the ship was brought 

 to the wind under storm sails, on account of the increas- 

 ing gale, and as but little coal remained in the bunkers 

 I did not deem it wise to expend any to assist in riding 

 out the storm. The gale was what is called a "black 

 southeaster," with very heavy gusts from the southward. 

 Entered in my journal are these words : " T/ie last bag^ 

 of bread was served out to the crew to-day T 



