350 AUDUBON 



employed as a hunter, was sent ashore in search of venison. 

 Previous to his leaving the vessel, a rifle was loaded with a 

 single ball and put into his hands. After an absence of 

 several hours, he returned with two Deer, which he had 

 killed at a single shot. He watched until they were both 

 in range of his gun, side by side, when he fired and brought 

 them down. 



"All hands having returned, and the fruits of our excur- 

 sion being collected, we had wherewithal to make an abun- 

 dant supper. Most of the game was sent on board the largest 

 vessel, where we proposed supping. Our vessels were all 

 lying within hail of each other, and as soon as the moon 

 arose, boats were seen passing from vessel to vessel, and 

 all were busily and happily engaged in exchanging civili- 

 ties. One could never have supposed that these men were 

 professional rivals, so apparent was the good feeling that 

 prevailed among them. About nine o'clock we started for 

 supper ; a number of persons had already collected, and as 

 soon as we arrived on board the vessel, a German sailor, 

 who played remarkably well on the violin, was summoned 

 on the quarter-deck, when all hands, with a good will, 

 cheerily danced to lively airs until supper was ready. The 

 table was laid in the cabin, and groaned under its load of 

 venison, Wild Ducks, Pigeons, Curlews, and fish. Toasting 

 and singing succeeded the supper, and among other curious 

 matters introduced, the following song was sung by the 

 German fiddler, who accompanied his voice with his instru- 

 ment. He is said to be the author of the song. I say 

 nothing of the poetry, but merely give it as it came on my 

 ear. It is certainly very characteristic : — 



THE WRECKERS' SONG. 



Come, ye good people, one and all, i 



Come listen to my song ; 



A few remarks I have to make, 



Which won't be very long. 



