366 THE ALBATROSS. 



the first time in their lives, and who have in 

 their ideas conjectured that flying fishes, dol- 

 phins, albatrosses, &c. so far surpassed all other 

 objects of the creation, that I have scarcely- 

 known an instance when such voyagers have not 

 been disappointed at the reality, and considered 

 all that has been related of them as marvellously 

 incorrect. It was during my first voyage I 

 watched eagerly from the stern of the vessel, for 

 the first time, the majestic sailing of the huge 

 Albatross in the air, seemingly enjoying the 

 stormy winds which were at that time pouring 

 their wrath upon our swift craft. It occasionally 

 would sweep the rising billows, washing itself 

 with the spray which broke from the conflict- 

 ing waves, seemed to delight in the tempest, 

 and looked to the superstitious seamen as if it 

 was hovering over the devoted ship, regarding 

 it, as the foaming billows dashed over its decks, 

 as nigh destruction, and the inmates soon 

 doomed to become its prey. It is a most in- 

 teresting sight to see these birds during stormy 

 weather flying with and against the wind, and 

 approaching so close to the ship, as if they were 

 about to alight, and seem " gayest of the gay" 

 in the midst of foaming waves and howling winds. 

 One of my amusements on board was Jisl 



