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might suppose the natives travelled bringing their produce
from vineyards and orchards to the city. As night drew on
flocks of black sheep, cows, and men riding donkeys
appeared winding their way along the road on the beach.
We watched until the sun hid behind Mt Etna and was
lost to us. The clouds caught the brilliant hues and
assumed a golden tint beautiful to see.

So we saw the sun rise over fair Italy and set
below the hills of Sicily. The day was warm and fine
the awning was spread and we were entertained all
being so new and strange to us. The straits are two miles
wide and here is considered to be the finest views on
the Mediterranean. There is a fleet of vessels around us.
Henry went aloft and counted sixty four. We have seen
no ladies aboard any. One German ship came close alongside
of us. The Master raised his hat to us, we returned the
compliment by waving a handkerchief.

In the morning before reaching the Straits our ship was
surrounded, by little boats each maned by six or seven