uickshank's. The wind fair but
very little of it, yesterday a gale but in a wrong direction; in fact we
have only had once a really fair wind and that for a short time. A great
many gulls to be seen, most of them with pointed tails, and few petrels.
Had we gone over the banks we might have had some diversion in fishing,
but the Captain was afraid of encountering the ice.

In the Gulf there is not only a stream against us but generally very
foggy weather and changeable, either calms or storms. This has been a
very unpleasant day, a calm with dull hazy weather, no fish or ships, or
even Mother Carey's chickens, but only a few gulls. A good deal of
champagne taken to-day by Jackson, very foolish.

TUESDAY, MAY 27TH.

Passed a pretty good night though occasionally the ship rolled and
pitched more than I expected. When I went upon deck I was agreeably
surprised; a very good wind from the north bearing us on very well.

The scene diversified by a grampus[8] 8 to 10 feet long, and a flying
fish which is rather larger than a swallow. About ten spoke to a vessel
from Jamaica to London. Finished reading Bassnett's manuscript tour,
Syria, Egypt, etc. Much depressed by the recollection of my dear
father's departure; told Mr. Grindrod the cause, which led to some
serious and at the same time consolatory remarks. At dinner Mr. Jackson
enquired what was the matter, upon which Mr. G. very kindly explained
the cause. Commenced reading B. H.'s[9] Notes on Chili, Peru, etc., he
is a very pleasing and agreeable writer. The measles broke out about
this time.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH.

Passed a quiet night, found it raining which we fear may lead to a
change of the wind which still continues rather favourable. Continued
heavy rain till nearly eleven then cleared up and the wind increased,
but not favourable taking us too much to the south instead of crossing
the Gulf Stream. It is usual to go over the banks of Newfoundland but
the Captain feared the icebergs. The Captain said if there was anything
done by the Almighty which he could wish altered it would be the Gulf
Stream; there is not only a current against us, but great uncertainty as
to calms and storms. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy and her sister dined with us
to-day. Jackson more than usually foolish. Some of the passengers trying
to put their legs over an American flour cask, and so raise themselves
over it upon their feet. Went upon deck and was much pleased with the
appearance of the