Had my father searched all England through he could not have discovered a set of men, from the captain to the cook's mate, who would have been better calculated to instil in a young man's heart a distaste for Father Neptune and his oceans.

In the number of the various books of the sea I have encountered, was one entitled, _A Floating Hell_.

When reading it I had not expected to have the misfortune to be bound aboard a vessel of this type.

It was my lot, however, to undergo the experience.

We carried three apprentices, including myself, each of whom had paid a large sum for the privilege.