Closing in on the equator this noon.

A sailor explained to a young girl that the ship's speed is poor because we are climbing up the bulge toward the center of the globe; but that when we should once get over, at the equator, and start down-hill, we should fly.

When she asked him the other day what the fore-yard was, he said it was the front yard, the open area in the front end of the ship.

That man has a good deal of learning stored up, and the girl is likely to get it all.
Afternoon.

Crossed the equator.