elter in deeper water from the roughness of the sea
during these changes in the weather. At this time the rock, at
high-water, was completely covered with podlies, or the fry of the
coal-fish, about six or eight inches in length. The artificers sometimes
occupied half an hour after breakfast and dinner in catching these
little fishes, but were more frequently supplied from the boats of the
tender.

Saturday, 16th June.

The landing-master having this day discharged the _Smeaton_ and loaded
the _Hedderwick_ and _Dickie_ praam-boats with nineteen stones, they
were towed to their respective moorings, when Captain Wilson, in
consequence of the heavy swell of sea, came in his boat to the
beacon-house to consult with the writer as to the propriety of venturing
the loaded praam-boats with their cargoes to the rock while so much sea
was running. After some dubiety expressed on the subject, in which the
ardent mind of the landing-master suggested many arguments in favour of
his being able to convey the praams in perfect safety, it was acceded
to. In bad weather, and especially on occasions of difficulty like the
present, Mr. Wilson, who was an extremely active seaman, measuring about
five feet three inches in height, of a robust habit, generally dressed
himself in what he called a _monkey jacket_, made of thick duffle cloth,
with a pair of Dutchman's petticoat trousers, reaching only to his
knees, where they were met with a pair of long water-tight boots; with
this dress, his glazed hat, and his small brass speaking-trumpet in his
hand, he bade defiance to the weather. When he made his appearance in
this most suitable attire for the service, his crew seemed to possess
additional life, never failing to use their utmost exertions when the
captain put on his _storm rigging._ They had this morning commenced
loading the praam-boats at four o'clock, and proceeded to tow them into
the eastern landing-place, which was accomplished with much dexterity,
though not without the risk of being thrown, by the force of the sea, on
certain projecting ledges of the rock. In such a case the loss even of a
single stone would have greatly retarded the work. For the greater
safety in entering the creek it was necessary to put out several warps
and guy-ropes to guide the boats into its narrow and intricate entrance;
and it frequently happened that the sea made a clean breach over the
praams, which not only washed their decks, but completely drenche