t least seven fathoms deep, that is, say forty feet. The
instant a piece of money was thrown, every canoe was emptied, and twenty
human beings disappeared from sight like a flash. Down, down go the
divers to the very bottom, and there struggle together for the trifle,
some one of the throng being sure to rise to the surface with the coin
displayed between his teeth. They struggle, wrestle, and fight beneath
the surface, and when the water is clear can be seen, like the
amphibious creatures which these shore-born tribes really are; nothing
but otters and seals could be keener sighted or more expert in the
water.

Quite a number of natives came on board the ship with curiosities to
sell, such as choice shells, toys, leopard skins, and ostrich feathers.
There are plenty of these birds running wild but a little way inland,
and some are kept in domestic confinement on account of the feathers
which they yield; but the tame birds do not develop such fine plumage as
do the wild ones. The ladies purchased choice specimens of these elegant
ornaments at prices ridiculously low compared with the charge for such
in Europe or America. The men who sold these feathers differed from the
other natives, and were evidently Syrian Jews, queer looking fellows,
small in stature, dark as Arabs, and with their hair dressed in
cork-screw curls. These small traders commenced by demanding guineas for
their feathers, and ended by taking shillings. Notwithstanding the
barren aspect of the surrounding country, Aden manages to do something
in the way of exports. Coffee is produced, not far inland, as well as
honey, wax, and gums, with some spices, which are shipped to Europe.

It was just about twilight when we got up the anchor, and steamed away
from Aden; and as the evening set in a bevy of birds were singularly
attracted to the Kashgar. They were quite as much land as water-birds,
and were fully twice as large as robins, of a mingled white and slate
color. So persistent were these birds, and being perhaps a little
confused by the surrounding darkness, together with the blinding lights
of the ship, that they permitted themselves to be caught and handled.
When thrown into the air they immediately returned, to light on the
bulwarks, shrouds, deck, or awnings, in fact, anywhere affording
foothold. Scores of them roosted all night on the Kashgar; but with the
first break of morning light they shook their feathers briskly for a
moment, uttered a few har