CROSSING THE LINE. 
87 
merit to the memory of the late Captain Maury, 
United States Navy — who was the father of deep-sea 
exploration, and who has rendered such important 
aid to navigation. However, from our observations 
the decision was altogether unfavourable. 
On the morning of 29th August hawsers were cast 
off, and we steamed round the rocks, taking sound- 
ings and current observations ; and on the next day 
crossed the Equator in longitude 30° 18' west. The 
disagreeable practice of shaving, &c., those who for 
the first time “ cross the Line ” was not permitted, 
although there were many who were anxious to join 
in the usual sport. This old-fashioned custom, which 
the present age seems inclined to get rid of, is 
gradually falling into disuse, and but few ships’ com- 
panies now pay that homage on entering Neptune’s 
dominions as they were wont to. So the invisible 
belt was crossed ; and as the night advanced the 
more striking became the aspect of the Southern Con- 
stellations. The sparkling light of the North Star had 
for some time past been growing fainter, and at 
length disappeared altogether. On the other hand, 
the Southern Cross, and other stars with which we 
were not so familiar, had taken their places ; and 
each night, as we moved farther south, for a time we 
felt a difficulty in recognising our new acquaint- 
ances. 
Though the Line had been crossed at a more 
westerly point than usual, on the 1st September we 
8 
