Descripción
Two manuscript log books bound in one, [39pp-18pp], some contemporary ink splashes, marginal chippings, contemporary wrapper, folio, 1850-1849 The first work contains an account by an unknown geologist giving entries for weather, speed and positions during voyages as well as geographical and geological observations of the islands visited. Leaving Bermuda on January 22, 1850, the first destination was Barbados. It may be a matter of interest to keep a table of the specific gravity temperature of the sea water, as I understand that among the West India Islands its density increases very much … There are tables explained by this accompanying text. Barbados was sighted on January 29, described as .a rugged and hilly appearance, the cliff bordering on the shore high and precipitation appearing stratified but from keeping a long way off the shore… . The Wellesley was forced to anchor some distance from the shore as A long and dangerous shoal extending considerable distance from the North Eastern portion of the island . The author observes the locals of the island The houses present a very good idea of the want of prosperity of the place. , and other natural dangers the sandstorm and clay form sand balls cemented together by carbonate of lime . The author is particularly interested in the possibility of fuel being found on Barbados. On the first day they found a gaseous spring and experimented to find the quantity of the gas. Having extinguished the light, I was anxious to witness its apparent quantity by observing its evolution under water, therefore compassing the exit holes of the gas with clay and filling it with water made it apparent that about a cube foot a minute exuded with which I filled two bottles. The next day the author followed a lead for coal, writing The country and the strata did not give one the idea that coal was in the vicinity however on removing about a foot of clay coal was observed in a small quantity , but the owner of the land, Mr Ellis, claims it is cheaper for him to buy coal from England than dig up the isolated veins on his land. The following day the H.M.S. Wellesley begins the tract to Tobago, the author noting the difficult crossing by describing numerous topographical challenges such as sand banks, low tides and large rocks to navigate past, as well as geographical features of rivers, tides and currents. They passed Venezuela and Trinidad, arriving at Tobago on the 2nd of February. [the island is] bordered by hills abundantly clothed with vegetation. The author notes the local people at work. An estate at the head of the bay raising about 80 hogsheads of sugar… about 60 negroes are actually employed pay 8d a day Regarding the geology of the island, the author observes Many of the compact species of braunstone[?] being crystalized into beautiful white marble, other portions of the rock being compact limestone. On the same day they visited Trinidad, the northern shore of Trinidad steering for the Boca[s] del Drago[n] the range of mountains terminating the northern portion of Trinidad may be said to rise abruptly from the sea… . Once again the author describes the local population they meet. Individuals of almost all nations are to be seen from black to really white. The third and final place on this voyage is the island Margarita arriving on March 6th. On the approach The number of whales seen were about a dozen . The author describes the island High mountains are within extremity, a range of flat land and lagoon nearly enclosed between the two makes it appear like two islands . They also discuss the main town and surrounding country in some detail before ending quite abruptly. The second account is on the Schooner Hunter, beginning in Halifax harbour on the 12th of July, 1849. The writer, also unknown, appears to be a sailor with minimal entries for weather, speed and positions during voyages. N° de ref. del artículo 6285
Contactar al vendedor
Denunciar este artículo
