the ocean, and the comparatively inferior denſity of the water, together with the evaporation that takes place from it, which prevent an equal degree of heat being communicated to the atmoſphere with what it acquires from the land, we had for ſeveral days had a ſlight breeze which contributed not a little to cool the air.
The ſailors have a cuſtom of ducking perſons who croſs the Line for the firſt time, with the ſea-water. This operation is performed by pouring ſeveral pails of water over their heads; and is frequently conducted in ſuch a manner, as to afford a great deal of merriment to thoſe who know themſelves exempted from being the ſubjects of it. One of the ſailors, who calls himſelf the Good Man of the Line, lets himſelf down from the main-top, with a large beard of tow faſtened to his chin, and preſides at this nautical diverſion.
Our Commander, apprehenſive that this ſort of cold bathing might not agree very well with ſome of us, forbade its being performed upon any of the paſſengers.
On the 29th of November, Beaumé's aërometer for ſalts gave me 3° 4-5ths. We were then half a degree ſouth of the Line.
The currents carried us ſomewhat eaſtward of our former courſe. The principal cauſe of
the
