The rains were frequent, and accompanied with that close and sultry weather, which too often brings on sickness in this passage.

At such a time, the worst consequences are to be apprehended: and commanders of ships cannot be too much upon their guard.

It is necessary for them to purify the air between decks with fire and smoke, and to oblige their people to dry their clothes at every opportunity.

The constant observance of these precautions on board the Resolution was attended with such success, that the captain had now fewer sick men than on either of his former voyages.

This was the more remarkable, as, in consequence of the seams of the vessel having opened so wide, as to admit the rain when it fell, there was scarcely a man who could lie dry in his bed; and the officers in the gun-room were all driven out of their cabins by the water that came through the sides.