48 



THE ATLANTIC. 



[chap. 1. 



We left Ponta Delgada on the 9tli of July, and just before 

 our departure we had an opportunity of seeing a singular relig- 

 ious ceremony. 



In one of the churches of the town there is an image of our 

 Saviour, which is regarded with extreme devotion. The inhab- 

 itants, in cases of difficulty or danger, bring it rich offerings, 

 and the wealth of the image in jew^els was variously stated to 

 us at from one thousand to one hundred thousand pounds, in 

 proportion to the faith and piety of our informants. There 



Costume of the Inhabitants of Sau Miguel. 



had been great want of rain in the island for some months past, 

 and it had been determined to take a step which is taken only 

 in extreme cases — to parade the image round the town in sol- 

 emn procession. 



People began to come in from the country by midda}'', and 

 all afternoon the town wore a gala appearance. The AQorean 



