ards passed the ship
within half a cable's length. It was a large spermaceti whale, on the
head of which some disease had formed an enormous spongy excrescence,
which had the appearance of a rock, and was so buoyant that, although
the animal made several attempts as it approached the ship, it could not
sink under water. Captain M---, satisfied that it really was as we have
described, again made sail, and pursued his course.

"It is very strange and very important," observed he, "that a disease of
any description can scarcely be confined to one individual, but must
pervade the whole species. This circumstance may account for the many
rocks reported to have been seen in various parts of the southern
hemisphere, and which have never been afterwards fallen in with. A more
complete deception I never witnessed."

"Had we hauled off sooner, and not have examined it, I should have had
no hesitation in asserting, most confidently, that we had seen a rock,"
answered the first-lieutenant.

Captain M--- went below, and was soon after at table with the
first-lieutenant and Macallan, who had been invited to dine in the
cabin. After dinner, the subject was again introduced. "I have my
doubts, sir," observed the first-lieutenant, "whether I shall ever
venture to tell the story in England. I never should be believed."

"_Le vrai n'est pas toujours le vraisemblable_," answered Captain M---;
"and I am afraid that too often a great illiberality is shown towards
travellers, who, after having encountered great difficulties and
dangers, have the mortification not to be credited upon their return.
Although credulity is to be guarded against, I do not know a greater
proof of ignorance than refusing to believe anything because it does not
exactly coincide with one's own ideas. The more confined these may be,
from want of education or knowledge, the more incredulous people are apt
to become. Two of the most enterprising travellers of modern days,
Bruce and Le Vaillant, were ridiculed and discredited upon their return.
Subsequent travellers, who went the same track as the former, with a
view to confute, were obliged to corroborate his assertions; and all who
have followed the latter have acknowledged the correctness of his
statements."

"Your observations remind me of the story of the old woman and her
grandson," replied the first-lieutenant. "You recollect it, I presume."

"Indeed I do not," said Captain M---; "pray favour me with