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At short intervals the men beat the water with their oars
all round the boats, in order to drive away the sharks; and
for a few minutes afterwards the groupars swarmed about the
baited hooks, and were caught as fast as the lines could be
hauled up— then another rush of sharks drove them away —
those just caught were snatched off the hcx)ks; and again the
men were obliged to beat the water. When the boats returned
they were deeply laden with birds and fish, both welcome to
those who had been living on salt provisions.
From the highest point of the rock,* no discoloured water,
nor any breaking of the sea, could be discerned, apart from
the place itself; and from the soundings taken in the boats,
as well as on board the ship, I conclude that it is unconnected
with any shoal, being merely the summit of a steepsided
mountain rising from the bottom of the ocean.
There was a slight current setting to the westward, not
amounting to a mile an hour.
At sunset that day we were out of sight of St. Paul (or St.
Peter), and soon after dark were hailed by the gruff voice of
a pseudo-Neptune. A few credulous novices ran upon the
forecastle to see Neptune and his car, and were received with
the watery honours which it is customary to bestow, on such
occasions.
Next morning we crossed the Equator, and the usual ceremonies
were performed.
Deep was the bath, to wash away all ill;
Notched was the razor—of bitter taste the pill.
Most ruffianly the barber looked—his comb was trebly nailed—
And water, dashed from every side, the neophyte assailed.
The disagreeable practice alluded to has been permitted in
most ships, because sanctioned by time ; and though many condemn
it as an absurd and dangerous piece of folly, it has also
many advocates. Perhaps it is one of those amusements, of
which the omission might be regretted. Its effects on the minds
of those engaged in preparing for its mummeries, who enjoy it
• Sixty-four feet above the sea.
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