344 Dr James Macaulay on the Physical Geography ^ 



pears farther down in the form of a white cloud borne by the 

 wind alone the face of the rock. 



At some places, there is between the cliff and the beach a 

 nan'ow tract of soil through which the road is carried. In 

 passing these places, with such a scene of wild magnificence 

 on the one hand, and on the other, the waves of the Atlantic, 

 here ever troubled and boisterous, breaking in immense surges 

 on the steep shore — the feeling inspired into the traveller is 

 one of gloomy and desolate grandeur. During the greatest 

 part of the year the wind blows with violence on the shore 

 from the north ; and there being no bays or anchoring ground 

 for ships, and scarcely any shelter for boats, the coast is ever 

 dangerous, and the sea altogether inhospitable for vessels. 



The aspect of the island from the water, in approaching it 

 from the north, is, however, extremely striking. The range 

 of cliffs appears like a huge rocky wall, the base of which is 

 lashed by the surges of the ocean, while its summit is crowned 

 with a rich and luxuriant verdure. Beyond, appear successive 

 heights, rapidly rising towards the central ridge of the island. 

 A zone of clouds frequently rests about the middle of the 

 mountains ; while, far above, the apparent height greatly in- 

 creased by this interception from the base, are seen a few of 

 the peaks and lofty summits of the island. When these hap- 

 pen to be covered with snow, the effect of the view must be 

 further increased ; but the intercepting zone of cloud is not 

 likely to be then present. 



The road to St Ann's sometimes runs through the narrow 

 tract between the rocks and the sea, which is partly cultivated 

 ground ; sometimes is carried across the high ground above ; 

 and in one place is at a great height cut in the face of the 

 cliff for a considerable distance. It is much lengthened by the 

 winding up and down the sides of the steep ravines by which, 

 from time to time, it is interrupted. The site of the village of 

 Ponta.Delgada ; the Arc and the ravine of St Jorge, are points 

 of especial magnificence ; but throughout, the road is of great 

 interest. In approaching St Ann's, the path lies through a 

 country more open and cultivated, at a con:tiderable elevation 

 above the sea ; and the house where travellers find accommo- 

 dation is situated in a district of extreme loveliness. The 



