ny way calling in question, what is so often said of the
injurious effects of sea-water, when long used, it is evidently more
rational, in the present instance, to ascribe these complaints to the
inclemency of the weather.--E.

[7] There is something very peculiarly affecting in the following
observations of Mr. G.F.--"This being Christmas day, the captain,
according to custom, invited the officers and mates to dinner, and one
of the lieutenants entertained the petty officers. The sailors feasted
on a double portion of pudding, regaling themselves with the brandy of
their allowance, which they had saved for this occasion some months
beforehand, being solicitous to get very drunk, though they are
commonly solicitous about nothing else. The sight of an immense number
of icy masses, amongst which we drifted at the mercy of the current,
every moment in danger of being dashed in pieces against them, could
not deter the sailors from indulging in their favourite amusement. As
long as they had brandy left, they would persist to keep Christmas
"like Christians," though the elements had combined together for their
destruction. Their long acquaintance with a sea-faring life had inured
them to all kinds of perils, and their heavy labour, with the
inclemencies of weather, and other hardships, making their muscles
rigid and their nerves obtuse, had communicated insensibility to the
mind. It will easily be conceived, that as they do not feel for
themselves sufficiently to provide for their own safety, they must be
incapable of feeling for others. Subjected to a very strict command,
they also exercise a tyrannical sway over those whom fortune places in
their power. Accustomed to face an enemy, they breathe nothing but
war. By force of habit, even killing is become so much their passion,
that we have seen many instances during our voyage, where they have
expressed a horrid eagerness to fire upon the natives on the slightest
pretences. Their way of life in general, prevents their enjoying
domestic comforts; and gross animal appetites fill the place of purer
affections.

At last, extinct each social feeling, fell
And joyless inhumanity pervades
And petrifies the heart.--

THOMSON.

Though they are members of a civilized society, they may, in some
measure, be looked on as a body of