28 PASSAGE TO RIO JANEIRO, BRAZIL. 



light upon the verge of the horizon, while it and the interme- 

 diate space between it and the ship, was rendered dark hy 

 the shadow of the clouds. Similar appearances caused by 

 the moon, were seen during the night. 



On the 5th, we crossed the equator, in longitude 17 west. 

 The wind now blew from the southward and eastward. In the 

 course of the afternoon we saw many shoals of flying-fish, and 

 as they sprung unusually high into the air, we concluded that 

 they were chased by other fish. The flying-fish has many 

 enemies; the boneta, albacore, dolphin, &c., &c., are waging 

 incessant war with them in the sea, and no sooner do they take 

 to flight, than the prowling frigate-bird, or wide-a-wake, is 

 ready to dash down among them, and drive them once more to 

 seek shelter in their own native element. Very frequently, 

 when they are trying to escape from their enemies, they strike 

 against the ship's side, and are instantly killed. The largest 

 of them are not over twelve inches in length, but their fins are 

 much larger in proportion than those of other fish. Sailors 

 sometimes eat them, but they are not considered a good 

 article of diet. 



An amusing circumstance occurred during the night of the 

 9th of November. In our course we passed very near a large 

 sail, which, from the night being unusually dark, the officer 

 of the deck mistook for the " Vincennes," although sailing on 

 a different course. He immediately followed the vessel, and 

 continued after her until morning, when, to his surprise, he 

 discovered that it was a large Dutch ship. We considered it 

 a capital joke, and during the rest of the passage had many 

 a hearty laugh over it. When the mistake was discovered we 

 resumed our former course, and soon after overtook the 

 squadron again. 



On the 10th, llth, 13th, and 14th, we kept watch for the 



