112 APPROACH THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 



of preparing for the boisterous weather we might 

 soon encounter. Hitherto, the mast-heads had 

 been regularly manned, and the boats kept 

 in readiness for immediate service ; but as the 

 idea of adding any further to our cargo was 

 now relinquished, the look-out for whales was 

 discontinued, the platform on the deck, and 

 " fenders" on the side of the ship, were re- 

 moved, the heavy masonry of the " try -works" 

 was broken up and thrown over-board, the 

 whaling gear stowed away, and the routine of 

 duties of the crew, and the appearance of the 

 ship, reduced to those of an ordinary mer- 

 chantman, bearing a cargo to her destined 

 port. 



Upon nearing the Cape, the weather became 

 as turbulent and treacherous as is proverbial 

 to this region ; the gales we experienced being 

 chiefly from the north or south of west, but the 

 most severe from N. E. During changes of 

 wind from north to south, the barometer almost 

 appeared to talk, and often put us on our guard 

 against very distressing weather. 



In lat. 34 S., long. 27 E., we entered the 

 green, or discoloured, water which marks the 

 extent of LTAgulhas Bank ; sighted for a short 

 time the South African coast, bearing N. by W., 

 35 miles ; and experienced a powerful current 



