DEXTERITY OF THE KROOMEN. 303 



had a very heavy tornado, with thunder and 

 lightning. 



At 7 A. M. on the 21st, we got under weigh ; 

 and at 8. 5, anchored for wood. At eleven 

 o'clock, again got under weigh ; and at 1. 30 p. m. 

 anchored abreast the sandbank on which Iccory 

 market is held, and likewise contiguous to Smart 

 Island. Here we observed another body float- 

 ing down the stream. 



An instance of the dexterity of the Kroomen is 

 exemplified in their diving, and their power of 

 remaining under water a considerable time. Se- 

 veral boxes of goods had been removed from the 

 vessel, in order to lighten her, into the long-boat, 

 which was secured astern. About 5 a. m. it com- 

 menced blowing fresh from the north-west, and 

 caused a short bubbling sea ; the boat, being out 

 of repair, filled with water, and went down, the 

 bows being suspended perpendicularly by a chain 

 to the stern of the vessel. The Kroomen com- 

 menced diving at 6 a. m. and continued until 

 eleven ; succeeding in obtaining every box, by se- 

 curing ropes round them, and hauling them up. 

 The depth of water was four fathoms, and a very 

 strong current was running at the time. They re- 

 mained under water nearly fifty seconds at a time. 



