Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ...The day was serene and beautiful, without a cloud save the one above, and that soon faded into the clear azure sky. Not a ripple was visible in the vast expanse of ocean, except those caused by the numerous whales which surround the island, playfully blowing up the water to an immense height, the noise of which, even at that distance, resembled the discharge of musketry. After some hours' rest, the repast being finished and the clouds entirely vanished, we again commenced the task of ascending, and in a short time reached the summit in safety. Never shall I forget the magnificent sight that suddenly burst upon me; nothing could surpass it in grandeur. Above us towered the lofty mountain of Tristan d'Acunha, its majestic peak covered with snow, which, glittering in the noonday sun, gave it the appearance of highly polished silver, while its ponderous base was interspersed with the most luxuriant foliage; and although it was fifteen miles distant, the sea below that separated us looked like a rivulet. On our right stood the Island of Nightingale, which much resembled the barren and desolate rock we inhabited, the contrast thereby rendering the scene the more interesting. My companions, I saw, were equally enchanted, for though they had upon a former occasion visited this place, the air was always too thick and hazy to enable them to view the splendor of the imposing scene; and I know not how long we should have remained fixed in contemplation had not Mr. Symmers reminded us we had other duties to perform. We then continued our course over the mountain, which was very barren and rugged, showing no signs of vegetation, with the exception of a few roots of wild celery, which were very sweet and acceptable. Climbing over a high ridge of rocks, ..
