IV 

 MY LOG 



ON H.M.S. ST. GEORGE 



2nd November 1862. — One o'clock; steamed from 

 Spithead. Foggy weather and light airs. The sea 

 outside the island dead calm and of the most beau- 

 tiful, level, opaque green, through which the big ship 

 slid without a particle of motion except the onward 

 one ; making a long furrow which was as permanent 

 and unbroken as if she had been passing through 

 some oily viscid fluid. 



Tuesday. — A mariner kindly gave me a hint 

 which may be useful. When I navigate the southern 

 latitudes, I am to look sharp after my patent log, as 

 the sharks are very apt to take it off ; and why not ? 

 — a beautiful spinning-bait. 



Wednesday. — Perfectly beautiful and bright, but 

 a tremendous sea running ; ship rolling heavily ; 

 impossible to sit, stand, or lie down. Dinner a most 

 difficult operation, one foot twisted round the leg of 

 the table, and one hand holding on ; one's soup only 

 to be attained by long crafty dodging and watching ; 

 good fun in its way, but a little too much of it for a 



