At sunset the second mate, who was at the
mast-head, said that he saw land on the starboard bow. This must
have been the island of Staten Land; and we were now in the region
of Cape Horn, with a fine breeze from the northward, top-mast and
top-gallant studding-sails set, and every prospect of a speedy and
pleasant passage round.
CHAPTER V
CAPE HORN--A VISIT
Wednesday, Nov. 5th.- The weather was fine during the previous
night, and we had a clear view of the Magellan Clouds, and of the
Southern Cross. The Magellan Clouds consist of three small nebulae in
the southern part of the heavens,- two bright, like the milky-way, and
one dark. These are first seen, just above the horizon, soon after
crossing the southern tropic. When off Cape Horn, they are nearly over
head. The cross is composed of four stars in that form, and is said to
be the brightest constellation in the heavens.
During the first part of this day (Wednesday) the wind was light,
but after noon it came on fresh, and we furled the royals. We still
kept the studding-sails out, and the captain said he should go round
with them, if he could.
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