148 THE CEUISE OF TEE " CACHALOT.'* 



Indian Archipelago. No whales of any kind were seen 

 for at least a month, although, from our leisurely mode 

 of sailing, it was evident that they were looked for. 



An occasional native craft came alongside, desirous 

 of bartering fish, which we did not want, being able to 

 catch all we needed as readily almost as they were. 

 Fruit and vegetables we could not get at such distances 

 from land, for the small canoes that lie in wait for 

 passing ships do not of course venture far from home. 



