254 Life of Audubon. 



About three o'clock of the afternoon we arrived off the 

 Bay of Honda. The wind being light, and no prospect 

 of reaching Key West that night, it was agreed we should 

 make a harbor here. We entered a beautiful basin, and 

 came to anchor about four o'clock. Boats were launch- 

 ed, and several hunting parties formed. We landed, and 

 were soon on the scent, some going in search of shells, 

 others of birds. An Indian who had been picked up 

 somewhere along the coast by some wrecker, and who 

 was employed as a hunter, was sent on shore in search 

 of venison. Previous to his leaving the vessel a rifle was 

 loaded with a single ball, and put into his hands. After 

 an absence of several hours he returned with two deer, 

 which he had killed at a single shot. He watched until 

 they were both in range of his gun, side by side, when 

 he fired and brought them down. All hands having re- 

 turned, and the fruits of our excursion being collected, 

 we had wherewithal to make an abundant supper. Most 

 of the game was sent on board of the larger vessel, where 

 we proposed supping. Our vessels were all lying within 

 hail of each other, and as soon as the moon arose, boats 

 were seen passing from one to the other, and all were 

 busily and happily engaged in exchanging civilities. 

 One would never have supposed that these men were 

 professional rivals, so apparent was the good feeling that 

 prevailed amongst them. About nine o'clock we started 

 for supper. A number of persons had already collected, 

 and as soon as we arrived on board the vessel, a German 

 sailor, who played remarkably well on the violin, was 

 summoned to the quarter-deck, when all hands with a 

 good will cheerily danced to lively airs until supper was 

 ready. The table was laid in the cabin, and groaned un- 

 der its load of venison, wild ducks, pigeons, curlews and 

 fish. Toasting and singing succeeded the supper, and 

 among other curious matters introduced, the following 



