16 
VOYAGE TO GREENLAND. 
and I must add, he was inveterately hated by the 
whole crew. The lathering now commenced, and 
interrogatories were put by Neptune ; and when 
the unlucky fellow opened his mouth to reply, the 
brush, saturated with the nauseous compound, was 
thrust into it. This ceremony was continued for 
some time, until the toothy edge of the razor had 
removed the lather from his face, which bore evident 
marks of retribution having been attained ; but the 
steward’s sufferings were not at an end, as he after- 
wards underwent the process of ablution, which was 
not of the most delicate nature. Such others as 
were brought before the tribunal of Neptune, not 
being charged with any particular offence, and hav- 
ing paid their “ cape bottle,” were passed over 
without molestation or inconvenience. The shav- 
ing being concluded, the procession was marshalled 
on deck ; and marching round, followed by the me- 
lodious tones of frying-pans, kettles, and clashing 
iron pot-lids, they halted in front of the companion, 
gave three cheers, and sang ‘‘ God save the King:” 
grog, as usual, being then given to them, they 
peaceably retired to their respective duties, and I 
to my cabin. In the afternoon it began to blow 
hard, accompanied by a fall of snow : on examining 
the snow with the assistance of a microscope, the 
configurations were stelliform and hexagonal, in the 
most perfect state. 
The gale continued with uninterrupted 
violence, keeping the sea in perpetual 
foam, and rolling mountains high: at four r. m., 
