24 
LETTERS FROM 
were in some measure reconciled to the dis¬ 
appointment of not being allowed to go on 
shore. During this dull weather the top of 
the rock was frequently hidden in clouds and 
mists, to the great annoyance of the poor 
monkeys, no doubt. We amused ourselves 
during the intervals of the rain by explor¬ 
ing the country with our telescopes, by pistol¬ 
shooting, and by fishing; but in the latter* 
sport we had not much success, catching 
only some little things called coal-fish, and 
one or two other sorts which were strangers 
to me. The water, which was beautifully 
clear, was absolutely swarming with these 
small fry, and we could see some very fine 
fish at the bottom, underneath the vessel, but 
these were too cunning to venture their lives 
for our baits. 
Our crew were busily employed in stowing 
away the coals, which were thrown on the 
