168 WHALING VND F13HINO. 



that time seen, the two vessels should proceed 

 into the bay of Antongil, on the north-east coast 

 of the island, and try for humpbacks. 



The James Eodgers had been out a year, and 

 had done tolerably well. She was now just froir 

 the coast of New Holland, where they had " hump, 

 backed and sperm-whaled it," so the crew said, 

 "until all hands were worn out." 



They seemed to dread the bay whaling. But 

 we, to whom it was something new no one but 

 our skipper having ever been at it before thought 

 it rather a good idea particularly as by its 

 means we should have an occasional run on shore. 

 At the expiration of one week of trial, both ves- 

 sels were headed to the north, and the crews were 

 i nformed that we were now bound on a humpback 

 cruise. 



Meantime we were again in the rainy climate. 

 ESvery day it rained. For days the sky is leaden 

 and gloomy, the clouds being apparently sur- 

 charged with rain. The winds, too, are shifting 

 and squally, while water-spouts are constantly in 

 sight. Little harmless eddy winds, which cause 

 the spouts, may be seen starting up and sailing 

 along in all directions. Sometimes the ship is 

 beset with them ; the foresails get the benefit of 

 one breeze, while the after sails are filled with 

 a quite different and contrary one. On the fore- 

 castle a torrent of rain will be falling, whiJe the 

 quarter-deck and poop are perfectly dry; and 

 sometimes, the toj>-gallant-sails will be filled with 



