an astrolabe. It consisted of a circle with, a graduated rim, and sights, by means of which he could ascertain, within a few degrees probably, the altitude of the north star. This would give him, approximately, his latitude; for to a person on the equator the north star appears in the horizon, and as the observer moves to the northward over the earth's surface the star rises, until at length, at the pole, could he go so far, the north star would be directly over his head.

Thus the altitude of the north star corresponds approximately with the distance of the observer from the equator toward the pole.

Accordingly, by watching the north star and measuring the altitude of it every night with his astrolabe, a navigator in those days would be able to keep his ship, in advancing toward the west, pretty nearly upon the same parallel of latitude, or to draw to the south, toward the equator, or recede from the equator toward the pole, at his pleasure.

Columbus had the mariner's compass also, and it might at first be supposed that it would be in his power to regulate the course of his ship, in respect to latitude, by this instrument alone. And this would be practicable were it not for the numerous and powerful currents always flowing in the sea, by means of which a vessel, while steadily

headed toward the west, or toward the east, might be carried imperceptibly far to the northward or to the southward in the course of several days' sail, and this makes it necessary for every ship occasionally to verify the latitude by an observation.

As to longitude, Columbus had probably no means of ascertaining it at all, except by keeping a reckoning, as well as he could, of the distances which he sailed on each successive day. This, however, was a matter of no very serious moment, as his object was to sail due west until he came to land. So long as he had the means of getting his latitude right, he could keep nearly on the same parallel, and of course, in respect to longitude, there was nothing to be done but to go continually on.

And then, too, in returning, as he knew in what latitude Palos was, all that he had to do was to keep upon that parallel, and sail east till he came to it. He would be sure to come to it sooner or later, though not knowing his longitude precisely, he could not know precisely when to expect the land to come in sight.

Besides his instruments, Columbus had on board sundry charts containing delineations of supposed and imaginary islands and tracts of land, laid down according to the fancies or the theories of

different geographers and learned navigators who had speculated on the subject.

PUBLIC OPINION IN RESPECT TO THE EXPEDITION.

The work of getting the little squadron ready, and of making the other various preparations for the Voyage that were necessary, consumed a large portion of the summer, so that the month of August arrived before the expedition was ready to sail. During all this time public attention was strongly turned toward the projected enterprise, and great was the difference of opinion entertained in respect to the feasibility of it. Some hoped for the best, and at any rate expressed good wishes. Some mocked and ridiculed the whole undertaking. The prevailing opinion was, however, that the adventurers were going forth on a desperate enterprise, from which it was very doubtful whether any of them would ever return.

THE DAY OF SAILING.

At length the day of sailing, which was the third of August, arrived. The day was Friday, and it would seem that Americans at least should for ever dismiss all superstitious ideas in respect to lucky and unlucky days, in consideration of the

fact that it was on a Friday that the expedition sailed, on the success of which the knowledge of the existence of the new world and everything connected with the whole course of its subsequent history depended. It was moreover on Friday that the expedition first came in sight of land.

The ships were to set sail early in the morning. On the day previous a grand religious service was held, in recognition of the dependence of those about to depart upon the blessing of Almighty God for all hope of success in their dangerous enterprise. Columbus, together with the whole company under his command, walked in solemn procession through the streets of the town to a certain monastery, where, in the chapel, mass was celebrated, and then all attached to the expedition confessed their sins, received absolution, and joined with the priests in offering up prayers to God that he would protect and bless them on their voyage, and bring them home again in safety.

The next morning at sunrise the squadron sailed. A large concourse of people assembled to witness the departure. The spectators lined the shores as the vessels moved away, some cheering them with loud acclamations, and others, especially the mothers and wives of those on board, engaged, with earnest gesticulations and many tears, in put

ting up fervent prayers to the Holy Virgin to take them all under her blessed protection.

Columbus kept a regular daily journal during his voyage, a copy of which, drawn up in full, was prepared to be presented to the king and queen on his return. In the following chapter we present an abstract of this journal, made from the original document, in order to convey to the reader a more vivid idea than could otherwise be given of the incidents that occurred during the voyage, and of the aspect which the new and unknown scenes into which the party were ushered as they advanced on their way, presented to their view.