Page:A voyage to New Holland - Dampier.djvu/81

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Observations for crossing the Line.
43

selves when they were drench'd with the Rains. The Heat of the Weather made them careless of doing this; but taking a Dram of Brandy, which I gave them when wet, with a Charge to shift themselves, they would however lie down in their Hammocks with their Wet Cloaths; so that when they turn'd out they caus'd an ill smell where-ever they came, and their Hammocks would stink sufficiently: that I think the Remedying of this is worth the Care of Commanders that cross the Line; especially when they are, it may be, a Month or more e'er they get out of the Rains, at some times of the Year, as in June, July, or August.

What I have here said about the Currents, Winds, Calms, &c. in this Passage is chiefly for the farther Illustration of what I have heretofore observ'd in general about these Matters, and especially as to Crossing the Line, in my Discourse of the Winds, &c. in the Torrid Zone: [See Vol, II. Part 3 p. 5, 6.] Which Observations I have had very much confirm'd to me in the Course of this Voyage; and I shall particularize in several of the chief of them as they come in my Way. And indeed I think I may say this of the Main of the Observations in that Treatise, that the clear Satisfaction I had about them, and how much I might rely upon them, was a great Ease to my