|
page 109 ----weather---
Then at noon, in the sun 22.7°; in the shade and in the water 22.50°
; in the evening at half-past eight, in the air and water 22.50°;
at nine o'clock, in the air 22.00°, in the water 22.50°, in water taken from the depth of 200 fathoms
21.50°; the araeometer in water taken from the surface 2.75°,
and later 2.50° to 2.25°; from the depth of 200 fathoms 2.50°;
the hygrometer stood between 54° and 64°; the barometer at 28°;
the variation of the magnetic needle between 13° 48', and 12°
48' W.
In these seas, the sun rises from the ocean with great splendour, and
gilds the clouds accumulated in the horizon, which in grand various groups
seem to present to the eye of the spectator, continents with high mountains
and valleys, with volcanoes and seas, mythological and other strange creations
of fancy. The lamp of day gradually rises in the transparent blue sky;
the damp grey fogs subside; the sea is calm or gently rises and falls,
with a surface smooth as a mirror, in a regular motion. At noon a pale,
faintly shining cloud rises, the herald of a sudden tempest, which at
once disturbs the tranquillity of the sea. Thunder and lightning seem
as if they would split our planet; but a heavy rain of a salt taste, pouring
down in the midst of roaring whirlwinds, puts an end to the raging of
the elements, and several semicircular rainbows, extended over the ocean
like gay triumphal arches, and multiplied on the wrinkled surface of the
water, announce the peaceful termination of the great natural phenomenon.
page 110 ----Tropic
of Cancer ----sea creatures----wildlife---
As soon as the air and sea have recovered their repose and equilibrium,
the sky again shows its transparent azure; swarms of flying-fish rise  sporting over the surface of the water, and the many-coloured natives
of the ocean, among which is the shark, with his two inseparable companions
(Gasterosteus Ductor and Echeneis Remora),
come up from the bottom of the element, which is transparent to the depth
of a hundred fathoms. Singularly formed Medusae,
the bladder shaped Physalis with its blue pungent filaments, serpent-like streaks of Salpae joined together, flowed carelessly along; and many other little marine
animals, of the most various kinds; pass slowly, the sport of the waves,
by the motionless vessel. * As the sun gradually
sinks in the clouded horizon, the sea and sky assume a new dress, which
is beyond description sublime and magnificent. The most brilliant red,
yellow, violet, in infinite shades and contrast, are pouredout in profusion
over the azure of the firmament, and are reflected, in still gayer variety,
from the surface of the water. The day departs amidst continued lightning
in the dusky horizon, while the moon, in silent majesty rises from the
unbounded ocean into the cloudless upper regions.
Variable winds cool
the atmosphere; numerous falling stars, coming particularly from the south,
shed a magic light; the dark blue firmament, reflected with the constellations
on the untroubled bosom of the water, represents the image of the whole
starry hemisphere; and the ocean, agitated even by the faintest breeze
of the night, is changed into a sea of waving fire.
 
|
