d us uncommon kindness, and made us some
presents of red bird skins for the savages we were going amongst.

I cannot, in words, bestow sufficient panegyric on the laudable exertions
of my worthy messmates, Lieutenants Corner and Hayward, for their
unremitting zeal in procuring and nursing such plants as might be useful
at Otaheitee or the islands we might discover.

We now took leave of our friends here, and it was with some regret, as it
was bidding adieu to civilized life, for a very undetermined space of
time. Lieutenant Hayward having finished his astronomical observations on
shore, came on board with the time-keeper and instruments, and again
proceeded on our voyage, on the morning of January 8, 1791. In running
down the coast of the Brazils, saw several spermacaeti whales, and vessels
employed on that fishery. Could it have been accomplished in the month of
January, it was intended to take in a supply of water at New-Year's
harbour, but the season was too far advanced. The weather now became
cold, and the health of the people mended apace: passed by the straits of
Magellan, and on the 31st of January saw Cape St. Juan, Staten Island,
and New-Year's Island. The thermometer was at 48 degrees. We were
fortunate enough to weather the tempestuous regions of Cape Horn, without
any thing remarkable happening, although late in the season.

The weather, as we advanced, became now exceedingly pleasant, and the
many good things with which we were supplied, began to have a wonderful
good effect on the strength of our convalescents. I here beg the reader's
indulgence for a small digression on the health of the seamen, as it is a
subject of much national importance, and those voyages the only test of
what is found to succeed best, my duty leads me to the attempt, however
unequal to the task:

It may be remarked, the sour Crout kept during the voyage, in the highest
perfection, and was often eat as a sallad with vinegar, in preference to
recent, cut vegetables from the shore. A cask of this grand antiscorbutic
was kept open for the crew to eat as much of as they pleased; and I will
venture to affirm, that it will answer every purpose that can be expected
from the vegetable kingdom.

The Essence of Malt afforded a most delightful beverage, and, with the
addition of a little hops, in the warmest climates, made as good strong
beer as we could in England. We were likewise supplied with malt in
grain, but should prefer the essenc