It was, however, a delightful midsummer sail.

No one can know the pleasure of sailing free over the great oceans save those who have had the experience.

It is not necessary, in order to realize the utmost enjoyment of going around the globe, to sail alone, yet for once and the first time there was a great deal of fun in it.
My friend the government expert, and saltest of salt sea-captains, standing only yesterday on the deck of the _Spray_, was convinced of her famous qualities, and he spoke enthusiastically of selling his farm on Cape Cod and putting to sea again.
To young men contemplating a voyage I would say go.

The tales of rough usage are for the most part exaggerations, as also are the stories of sea danger.

I had a fair schooling in the so-called "hard ships" on the hard Western Ocean, and in the years there I do not remember having once been "called out of my name." Such recollections have endeared the sea to me.