198 Thirty Years 



CHAPTER IX. 



T 18 , 21 -„, We intended to have embarked early this raorn- 



July 21. * 



ing, and to have launched upon an element, which 

 was more congenial with our habits than the fresh- 

 water navigations, and their numerous difficulties and 

 impediments we had hitherto encountered, hut which 

 was altogether new to our Canadian voyagers. We 

 were detained, however, hy a strong north-east gale, 

 which continued the whole day, with constant thunder 

 showers ; the more provoking as our nets procured 

 hut lew fish, and we had to draw upon our store of 

 dried meat ; which, with other provision tor the jour- 

 ney, amounted only to fifteen days' consumption. 

 Indeed, we should have preferred going dinnerless to 

 be'd rather than encroach on our small stock, had we 

 not beeo desirous of satisfying the appetites, and 

 cheering the spirits of our Canadian companions at 

 the commencement of our voyage. These thoughtless 

 people would, al any time, incur the hazard of abso- 

 lute starvation, at a future period, for the presenl 

 gratification of their appetites ; to indulge which they 



