10th Jan 1832

Teneriffe to C.Verde Islands
We crossed the Tropic this morning, if our route did not extend further, Neptune would here celebrate the aweful ceremonies of the Equator. The weather is beautiful, and very little hotter than the middle of our summer: we have all put on our light clothes; what a contrast one fortnight has brought about as compared to the miserable wet weather of Plymouth.

There was a glorious sunset this evening and is now followed by an equally fine moonlight night. I do not think I ever before saw the sun set in a clear horizon. I certainly never remarked the marvellous rapidity with which the disk after having touched the ocean dips behind it.

I proved to day the utility of a contrivance which will afford me many hours of amusement and work — it is a bag four feet deep, made of bunting, and attached to semicircular bow this by lines is kept upright, and dragged behind the vessel — this evening it brought up a mass of small animals, and tomorrow I look forward to a greater harvest.

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