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. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. Land Ho!--Fayal--Anxiety of all hands to get ashore--Portuguese--Their resignation--Fruit--We continue the voyage--Fitting the vessel for her cruise--Drilling the crew in the boats--The line--Chasing Blackfish--ProvisionsCooks. At length the summits of the Azores heaved out of the water, in the blue distance. Land ho! was a cry joyful to all, but particularly to those who were now making their first trip. I do not know of a more pleasing sensation than that which animates one on for the first time beholding a strange coast--supposing that coast to be invested with some interest in the mind of the beholder, and that it is seen in fine weather. Both these conditions were fulfilled in the- present case. Our Portuguese shipmates had for the past week spoken of scarcely anything else but Fayal, the Peak of Pico, and the various islands which compose the group called the Azores; praising above all, the fruitfulness of the soil, the genial climate, and the quiet innocenre of the people. The weather was lovely, and as the blue summit of Pico showed itself in the hazy distance, while a light breeze rippled over the smooth sea and urged our vessel landward, all were for a while THELAND. 57 > subdued, and entered heart and spirit into the peaceful scene. It was midday when we raised the land. On "turning out" next morning, we found our ship lying becalmed in front of the vast Peak of Pico, which, at a distance of some ten or twelve miles, seemed almost overhanging the vessel. All was now bustle and preparation. The Portuguese, usually so taciturn, were excited beyond all measure; and as under the pressure of a gentle breeze we neared the land, they eagerly pointed out to each other, and to the crew, various objects, familiar to them, ...