Numbers of splendid turtles often
came ashore to deposit their eggs in the sand, and their delicious
flesh afforded us many a sumptuous meal. When more than one of these
creatures appeared at a time, we used to cut off their retreat to the
sea, and, turning them on their backs, fasten them to a stake, driven
in close by the water's edge, by a cord passed through a hole in their
shell. We thus had fresh turtle continually within our reach; for the
animals throve well thus secured, and appeared in as good condition,
after having been kept thus for several weeks, as others when freshly
caught. Lobsters, crabs and mussels also abounded on the shore. But
this was not all; an additional surprise awaited us.
As we were one morning approaching Tentholm, we were attracted by a
most curious phenomenon. The waters out to sea appeared agitated by
some unseen movement, and as they heaved and boiled, their surface,
struck by the beams of the morning sun, seemed illuminated by flashes
of fire.
Over the water where this disturbance was taking place hovered
hundreds of birds, screaming loudly, which ever and anon would dart
downwards, some plunging beneath the water, some skimming the surface.
Then again they would rise and resume their harsh cries. The shining,
sparkling mass then rolled onwards, and approached in a direct line our
bay, followed by the feathered flock above.
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