CHAPTER IV 



GRAND ROMAINE AND OLD ROMAINE 



ON July 7 we were at last favored with a 

 fair wind, and at 3 a.m. set sail in the 

 Sea Star to explore the coast before us. 



"Embark with me, while I new tracts explore. 

 With flying sails and breezes from the shore. 



But steer my vessel with a steady hand, 

 And coast along the shore in sight of land." 



The Sea Star was much smaller than its 

 distinguished predecessor, the Ripley, for she 

 was but seventeen tons burden and forty feet 

 long, while Audubon's vessel was one hundred 

 and six tons burden and probably over a hun- 

 dred feet long. The Ripley was what is called 

 a topsail schooner with yards and Square top- 

 sails. The Sea Star, when carrying full sail, 

 had, besides her main and fore sails, a jib and 

 flying jib, gaff topsail and main staysail. She 

 was painted green with white trimmings. The 

 cabin was six by eight feet, and high enough 

 to permit a man to stand erect. It contained 

 two bunks so closed in that the apertures 

 74 



