I had yesterday an accident which nearly
cost me my life. I was fishing off the rocks,
which I do every day that the weather will
permit me. The part on which I stood was
at each returning wave covered; but wetting
me na higher than the knee, I did not
consider that circumstance attended with any
danger, and as I was catching fish very fast
I did not like to move away from my station;
but suddenly came a wave, of so much superior
size, as nearly hurried me within it,
and swept me instantly off the rock, into the
sea; encumbered as I was, with a large bag
of fish hanging round my neck, and a huge
pair of (Tristan d’Acunha made) boots on.
As I was alone, I was certainly for some time
in imminent danger; twice I was swept back
in attempting to reach the shore, but by
swimming and struggling with all my strength
and skill, I, at length, after a complete ducking,
and considerable fright, reached the shore
in safety.
ggth. — Last week Mrs. White was confined
of a very fine girl, and in a few days
after, she was out, and employed in her usual
occupations, looking just as well as before.
Whales are now playing about, opposite
our settlement, in great numbers; and, in
their gambols, seem almost to jump out of
the water. They raise themselves up, so that
the greater part of their bodies is seen, and
then fall down (like a person bathing), and
in their plunge send up a tremendous foam,
and make a noise which may well be compared
to distant thunder.
August 1st. — Yesterday I and one of the
dogs went on a goat-hunting expedition.
Clambering up a steep hill, we caught sight
of a flock in the rear; and, after a fine chase,
and some difficult scrambling, I succeeded
in shooting a fine female, which I carried on
my shoulders back for home consumption.
These animals are here particularly fine, and
in good condition; but their flesh has a strong
flavour of celery, which is to me very unpleasant
: this herb grows wild, and most luxuriantly
on the sides of the mountains; and the
animals being particularly fond of it, eat a
great quantity. I have no doubt there are
many epicures who would consider the goat’s
flesh much better on account of its peculiar
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