316 WATERSPOUTS. 



sent on board, and in a week were surfeited with turtle- 

 soup, turtle- steaks, turtle-curry, and turtles' eggs; a plain 

 bit of salt junk was for a change quite a treat. As 

 we passed the line, I witnessed a strange collection of 

 water-spouts that were gathered on the horizon near 

 sunset; there were about seven of them nearly close 

 together and moving with different velocities ; they had 

 the appearance of columns supporting the dark clouds of 

 heaven. Sometimes they would seem to disperse, and then 

 again, gathering solidity, stalk about like ocean genii. 



Our voyage was unmarked by sport. We had a strange 

 death occur on board from chloroform a man who 

 had a disease of the lungs wishing to have his damaged 

 finger taken off during the influence of chloroform. His 

 wish was complied with, and death resulted. We were 

 expecting to run into the channel and make a very rapid 

 voyage, but were unfortunately met by a strong easterly 

 wind that kept us beating about for a fortnight. Having 

 500 people on board and but a small supply of water, our 

 position became rather critical ; for we were reduced from 

 a quart to a pint of water per man, and having no wine or 

 beer to drink, were in doubt what would come next. 

 Several of the women and children suffered severely from 

 thirst, whilst the able-bodied men had to look at the salt 

 provisions with a hungry forbearance, salt beef, tongues, 

 &c., not being very thirst-quenching articles. I used to sit 

 for a long time with my feet in a tub of sea-water, and 

 fancied that I was not so thirsty in consequence. We 

 tried to run for any port for succour, but upon attempting 

 Vigo, were checked by a two days' calm. A light breeze at 



