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Travels in Some Parts of North America, in the Years 1804, 1805, & 1806, by Robert Sutcliff

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weather. These are mostly of the petril tribe, although sea-gulls are often seen at a great dis- tance from land, especially on the banks of New- foundland and in approaching them. In passing these banks it is wonderful to see the thick fog which generally prevails, so that, in a morn- ing, the rigging and sails of the ship would be drip- ping wet, as though they had been in heavy shower during the night. In addition, the weather was so cold that it was very uncomfortable to be without fire, although it was the middle of summer, and we were many more degrees southward than England. These heavy fogs when seen at a distance had many times much the appearance of land; and about the time of the setting sun, they presented a great variety of appearances. Some- times we might imagine we had the sight of a splendid city, with towers, domes, and steeples, rising before us; and, in a while, the whole would entirely vanish, and leave nothing to be seen but the wide extended ocean, bounded by horizon. Being detailed nearly two weeks in the gulf stream, by light and contrary winds, our Captain began to be anxious about the provisions and water, in consequence of which he put the men upon their allowance of beef and pork, which were now handed to them by weight; and we ourselves were prohibited the use of fresh water, in washing our