41 



ashes fell upon vessels that were out at sea at least 

 five hundred miles ; and Barbadoes being to wind- 

 ward of the volcano, such immense quantities of 

 its contents were carried to that island as almost 

 covered the fields ; and destroying vegetation com- 

 pletely wherever they fell, did inconceivable damage, 

 while that which St. Vincent's itself experienced 

 was but trifling in proportion. 



Our captain is quite out of patience with the tor- 

 toise pace of our progress; for my part I care very 

 little about it. Whether we have sailed slowly or 

 rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much 

 nearer advanced towards April, the time fixed for 

 my return to England; and, what is of much more 

 consequence, whether we have sailed slowly or 

 rapidly, when a day is once over, I am just as much 

 nearer advanced towards " that bourne," to reach 

 which, peaceably and harmlessly, is the only busi- 

 ness of life, and towards which the whole of our 

 existence forms but one continued journey. 



December 21. 

 We succeeded in catching another dolphin to- 

 day; but he had not a hat on; however, I just 

 asked him whether he happened to have seen mine, 

 but to little purpose ; for I found that he could 

 tell me nothing at all about it ; so, instead of 

 bothering the poor animal with any more questions, 

 we eat him. 



