The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-11-16

some even on their nests with eggs under
them. have several of them perfect in
shape, still pure guano. Most of them
crumble to dust when exposed to the air.
Layers Of reeds and twigs are to be found
through the guano, said to be brought there
from the main land by the birds. for their
nests. As we walk over the island we
find holes innumerable. These are the
habitations Of the birds. With daylight
they 60 seaward for food. and return with
darkness to spend the night on the islands.
They are Of various kinds-pelicans, PEN
guin, many OF the duck species, &c. Seals
and sea-lions are seen in thousands sport
ing among the rocks and ships, basking in
the sun. Methinks hear you say what
place for cunning, and you will no doubt
be surprised when tell you | have not
discharged my gun since | left New York.
The laws here are very rigid, not a gun
or pistol is allowed to be fired on or around
the Island or on board ship. A penalty is
exacted for every bird killed. this has
caused much trouble here. Still parties
go on shore at night and rob the holes
of their inmates, generally two birds some
thing like our mackerel gulls. They are
said to eat very we'll, but rather fshy.-
We find eggs at times in abundance, yet
these we are not allowed to touch.
The laws are strictly enforced, not even
the seals or sea.lions are we allowed to
shoot; but am hard tempted at times.
sometimes use my harpoon as they swim
around the ship, but when fast it is i'm.
possible to hold on, as lookouts are sta
toned all around, and scarcely a day
passes without trouble in some quarter
tain number of lay days-about ,en days
for every one hundred tons. Most Of US
have to lay here our days out. AT day.
light, dozens OF boats can be seen around
the spouts waiting for loads. Daily ac-
counts are kept of each ships days and
turns--so many loads per day are allow.
ed them, say first week two loads per day.
second week three loads per day, third
week four loads per day. We are all sup.
piled with boats; they hold from ten to
tw enty tons. Laborers cannot now be
hired at any price; we can only work our
own men.
One would imagine that it would be i'm
possible 10 exist in the clouds OF dust. The
men are all Of OF one color--you cannot
tell white one from black one when al
work in it. 1t is fun Tor our sailors. As
a general thing never saw set of men
more interested for their employers than
they are in loading our boats. They lay
in it, roll and wrestle. and at times are
completely buried in it. These shutes
that lead into the vessels hold are dan.
gerous. Cases have occurred where men
have slipped in at the mouth Of the hose
as the guano went in or down; and never
seen again, or dead if found at ALL AT
times, when there is much surf on, have
seen the hose come out Of the hatch and
the guano 60 80 feet from the side Of the
vessel, the bigness of the hose. We are
supplied twice a week. Wednesday and
Saturday, from Pisco city, with fresh meat,
vegetables and fruit, by boaimen, who
make quite business of it. Fresh beei
eight and hall cents per pound. fowls ten
dollars per dozen, turkeys twenty -four dol
lars per dozen, pigs weighing twenty
pounds three dollars, sheep four dollars
each. Vegetables are high, enough for
one week consumption for crew offilteen.
say two dollars Every thing in the way
of provision is high.''