weather. These are mostly of the petril tribe,
although sea-gulls are often seen at a great dis-
tance from land, especially on the banks of New-
foundland and in approaching them.

In passing these banks it is wonderful to see the
thick fog which generally prevails, so that, in a morn-
ing, the rigging and sails of the ship would be drip-
ping wet, as though they had been in heavy shower
during the night. In addition, the weather was so
cold that it was very uncomfortable to be without
fire, although it was the middle of summer, and
we were many more degrees southward
than England

. These heavy fogs when seen at a
distance had many times much the appearance of
land; and about the time of the setting sun, they
presented a great variety of appearances. Some-
times we might imagine we had the sight of a
splendid city, with towers, domes, and steeples,
rising before us; and, in a while, the whole would
entirely vanish, and leave nothing to be seen but
the wide extended ocean, bounded by horizon.

Being detailed nearly two weeks in the gulf
stream, by light and contrary winds, our Captain
began to be anxious about the provisions and water,
in consequence of which he put the men upon their
allowance of beef and pork, which were now
handed to them by weight; and we ourselves were
prohibited the use of fresh water, in washing our