SUFFERINGS OF THE BOAT'S CREW. 243 



their stock to thirty-five gallons. As a corresponding- disadvantage they got wet through. 

 On the 8th the allowance issued was an ounce and a half of pork, a tea-spoonful of rum, 

 half a pint of cocoa-nut milk, and an ounce of bread. Bligh constructed a pair of scales 

 of two cocoa-nut shells, using pistol-balls for weights. The next nine days brought bad 

 weather, and much rain, the sea breaking over the boat so much that two men were kept 

 constantly baling, and it was necessary to keep the boat before the waves to prevent 

 her filling. When day broke it showed a miserable set of beings, full of wants, aches, 

 and pains, and nothing to relieve them. They found some comfort by wringing their 

 clothes in sea-water, by which means they found a certain limited amount of warmth. 

 But though all were shivering with cold and wet, the commander was obliged to tell 

 them that the rum ration one tea-spoonful must for the present be discontinued, as it 

 was running low. 



" During the whole of the afternoon of the 21st," says Bligh, " we were so covered 

 with rain and salt water that we could scarcely see. We suffered extreme cold, and every 

 one dreaded the approach of night. Sleep, though we longed for it, afforded no comfort; 

 for my own part, I almost lived without it. * * * The misery we suffered this night 

 exceeded the preceding. The sea flew over us with great force, and kept us baling with 

 horror and anxiety. At dawn of day I found every one in a most distressed condition, 

 and I began to fear that another such night would put an end to the lives of several, 

 who seemed no longer able to support their sufferings. I served an allowance of two 

 tea-spoonfuls of rum ; after drinking which, and having wrung our clothes, and taken 

 our breakfast of bread and water, we became a little refreshed." On the 24th, for the 

 first time in fifteen days, they experienced the warmth of the sun, and dried their now 

 threadbare garments. 



On the 25th, at mid-day, some noddies flew so near the boat that one was caught 

 by hand. This bird, about the size of a small pigeon, was divided into eighteen portions, 

 and allotted by the method known as " Who shall have this ? " in which one person, who 

 turns his back to the caterer, is asked the question, as each piece is indicated. This 

 system gives every one the chance of securing the best share. Bligh used to speak of 

 the amusement it gave the poor half-starved people when the beak and claws fell to his 

 lot. That and the following day two boobies, which are about as large as ducks, were also 

 caught. The sun came out so powerfully that several of the people were seized with 

 faintness. But the capture of two more boobies revived their spirits, and as from the 

 birds, and other signs, Mr. Bligh had no doubt they were near land, the feelings of all 

 became more animated. On the morning of the 28th the "barrier reef" of what was then 

 known as the eastern coast of New Holland, now Australia, appeared, with the surf and 

 breakers outside, and smooth water within. The difficulty was to find a passage; but at 

 lasta fine opening was discovered, and through this the boat passed rapidly with a strong 

 stream, and came immediately into smooth water. Their past hardships seemed all at 

 once forgotten. The coast appeared, and in the evening they landed on the sandy point 

 of an island, where they soon found that the rocks were covered with oysters, and that 

 plenty of fresh water was attainable. By help of a small sun-glass a fire was made, 

 and soon a stew of oysters, pork, and bread was concocted, which gladdened their hearts, 



