Evening star., 1901-07-29
NOTES OF THE CRUISE.
Reported by The Star Correspondent
on Board the Fern.

Reported by The Star Correspondent
on Board the Fern.
OFF POINT LOOKOUT. July 26.-After
a night of rough weather the Fern ar
rived at Point Lookout at daybreak this
morning. The weather last night was un-
usually heavy, with a deep mist lowering
about the bay throughout the entire night
The barometer began falling from the time
the Fern left Old Point Comfort, indicat-
ing stormy weather ahead The mist was
so heavy during the night that It was i'm
possible to pick up the light houses on the
bay, and the compass was resorted to for
the entire trip to Point Lookout. heavy
sea was on, and the Fern tossed and rolled
all night long. Commander Hams took ev-
cry precaution for the safety of the vessel
and the crew under his command, and had
a man stationed at the life boat all during
the midnight watch and the early morning
watch. man was also stationed at the
life buoy as well as men at the cathead
starboard ;Ald port sides. An officer was
also stationed at the cathead lookout in an
effort to pick up the light houses in the
bay.
The wind during the mid watch blew
directly from the northeast, and with q
heavy sea on the starboard bow the Fern
made as Is usual under such circumstances,
some leeway, compensation for which,
however, was made by sailing a compass
course somewhat more to the east than
would OtnerWlSe De necessary.
Taste of Genuine Seafaring.
1t was during these hours of the mid
watch that the tackles had taste Of
the real trials Of navigation at night, and
all those not directly engaged in the navi-
cation Of the vessel were sent below decks,
matches put on, and every precaution taken
for increase in the unfavorable weather
conditions. The watch on deck answered
nf
the deck for the performance of duty. The
running lights were carefully observed
every few minutes and the officer Of the
deck continually cautioned the men at the
catheads to keep bright lookout ahead"
Many lights were observed and the proper
course taken to avoid collisions.
While the conditions OF the mid watch re-
quire continued vigilance. both the officers
and tackles seem to enjoy the long hours
Of watchfulness.
At an early hour this morning the ship
was enveloped by clouds, and mosquitoes
Just off Point Lookout. The officers were
routed out early and made their way on
deck to escape the pests. The plague be-
came so unbearable for everybody aboard
ship that 1t was necessary to close all
matches and smoke the pests out. The
ship was eventually cleared, but not until
nearly every man on board had suffered
considerably az a result.
Target Practice Record.
The District "bluejackets' made a record
this morning at target practice that made
every officer and man. from Commander
Hams down to the humblest landsman, feel
proud. The District boys. completely shot
one Of the regulation naval targets into
pieces. at q distance OF 1 500 yards, a rec
ord that Is seldom eQualled In the regular
service. The interest displayed by the men
was very gratifying to Commander Hains.
The target was hoisted overheard and
the Fern steamed of at a distance Of 1.JOO
yards. The target used In the practice is a
triangular affair, twelve feet on each side
at the base of the triangle, with an up
right pole In he center twelve feet In
height. The target is surmounted by q
red flag one and . half feet square. The