mss142-vasilevShishmarev-i3-007

- 57 -

the stretched-out awning did we feel some sort of relief.
The heat was so intense that the tar with which the seams
were filled was boiling, and if precautions had not been
taken, if we had not spread the decks and covered the sides
with tarpaulins, which were constantly watered, the sloop
would undoubtedly have sprung a leak in its above-water parts.
During these days, a great number of bonito and sharks appeared
near the ship, and we did not miss the opportunity of catching
them with fishing rods, using a piece of cod as bait for
the former, and corned beef for the latter. The bonito is a
fish of extreme beauty. Its scales shine with all the colors
of the rainbow while it is alive or in the water. Dead, it
loses all its luster, and becomes a muddy gray. Its length
is rarely more than one arshin [28 inches]. It is the worst
enemy of the flying fish. Of the sharks that we caught, one
was remarkable for its length, more than nine feet. Its meat
does not taste bad; boiled, it falls apart into rather small
pellets. The crew ate it willingly, having become tired
eating salted fish. Frigate birds and phaëthons soared in the air.

On April 8, the sailor who was at the topsail announced
that on the horizon toward the NNE was seen a three-masted
ship. The wind was very weak. On the sighted vessel were only
topsails; however, we carried all possible sail, but at that,
the body of the vessel came into view only toward evening,
and by its build and rigging, we took to be the "Discovery."