JANUARY 1904. 



THE weather continues dull and dark, but comparatively 

 quiet a matter of much importance to us at relief times. 

 We have no aversion to a rousing gale between reliefs ; then 

 one can afford to appreciate the grandeur of the warring 

 elements ; but as the appointed time draws near, and no sign 

 of abatement is evident, all hands become a trifle uneasy, 

 especially the man whose turn it is for shore duty. It is 

 rather tantalising to see the relief steamer cruising doubtfully 

 round the Rock, then finally take her departure, unable to 

 effect a landing, all on account of " that nasty swell," which 

 possibly a week ago we were eulogising as " sublime ! " It is 

 a matter of remark here how quickly the boisterous nor'-east 

 seas are subdued by the westerly wind. At times the morn- 

 ing presents a scene anything but peaceful, the whole reef 

 enveloped by shouting, tumbling seas, which bang our domi- 

 cile till the crockery rattles, and blind by their spray our 

 kitchen windows, seventy feet from the Rock yet, let the 

 wind but freshen from the westward and the conflict im- 

 mediately becomes visible. The seas, now driving in the 

 teeth of the wind, have their curling crests whipped cleanly 

 off and carried leeward like clouds of steam. Perceptibly 

 their force diminishes as they "lift and 'scend" in the 

 struggle for supremacy, till by evening tide a comparatively 

 easy relief may be effected. Home news and the doings of 

 the outer world are then at our disposal, as well as a welcome 

 consignment of fresh provisions. Considering his almost 

 seven weeks' confinement on the Rock, the shore-going keeper 

 may be pardoned a feeling of relief and elation as he steps on 

 board the relieving steamer a feeling, by the way, not at all 

 to be confounded with that of the return journey. As an 



