For those interested in the Equator ceremony, here's a first-hand report of crossing the line from the diary of an Irish passenger en route from Liverpool to Melbourne aboard the clipper ship Miles Barton commanded by William Kelly in 1853. Apart from a passing "tongue-in-cheek" threat of cannibalism on the second day, it all seems pretty civilized. Original spellings, punctuation, etc. retained. Saturday 28th (May 1853) A good breeze and not quite so hot as it was a fiew days since at 8 o'clock a tubful of burning tar was droped overboard to deceive the passingers that it was lamps on the Equator or line when Nepkin and his wife came on Board dressed in sheepskins after being drawn fore and aft on a slide the(y) walked onto the quarter deck to the Capt and shaked hands with him asking him how he was Introducing himself as Nepkin the God of the Sea Saying that he was came on board to pay him a visit and shave all his children as he considered it his right and duty to do so on all the ships that came his way. The Capt was very happy to see them and hoped he would use them deacently as his children was all of a superior breed and brot up at the boarding schools and that the(y) were nearly all English but a good many Scotch and the greater part of them Irish and for them to pay him another visit on Monday Evg and bring with them a Silver Raisor and some of her Majesties double refined scented soap that would raize her Majesties softest leather. Shaking hands with each of them and bidding them good night receiving in return a very low bow from Nepkin and a Courticy from his Wife. 29th Sunday morn. Nepkin or the second mate was inclined to have one of the seamen for breakfast this morning and was going to put in irons for being so carnivorious it is a beautiful day with a fair but a light breeze. 30th A fine day and all gowing on well we expected to be shaved but the Capt would not allow it lest their should be anyone hurt. Harold Bradley Alamo, CA