CANARY ISLANDS. 55 



after my arrival, a fire of pine torches was constructed in 

 one corner of the hut, from which we were soon enveloped 

 in fumes. Occasionally the light of the torches would cast 

 a glimmer on the puny imps, who were encircled in smoke 

 and darkness, and gave them the appearance of so many 

 little demons. 



The storm having become less violent, I again continued 

 my journey. But I had not progressed far, before the rain 

 began to fall more furious than ever, and the wind blew 

 with great violence. I soon reached the summit of the 

 mountain, when, all of a sudden, the rain ceased, and the 

 sun broke through the clouds, and presented beneath me, 

 a gulf truly frightful, a sight of which, would cause the 

 strongest nerves to shudder. I could look down 3000 feet 

 almost perpendicularly towards La Punta de Teno over 

 numerous strata of sand and rocks of lava of a singular 

 appearance, an inspection of which, could not be made, 

 from the threatening aspect of the clouds. No sooner had 

 I begun to descend, than the sun concealed itself, and the 

 rain recommenced falling with increased vehemence, and 

 the wind, sweeping over the mountain, blew a tremendous 

 hurricane, awfully grand and appalling. With extreme 

 difficulty, I advanced struggling against the fury of the 

 wind, which incessantly dashed large piercing drops of 

 rain against my face and limbs. The path became so 

 precipitous, that my mule was scarcely able to descend. 

 The poor beast would have to poise itself for some time on 

 its fore legs with its heels upwards, in order to gain its 

 equilibrium, that it might securely light upon some place 

 below. In the mean time, the rain had caused a frightful 

 torrent to rush down the ravine with astonishing tumult 

 over the huge masses of rock that obstructed its course. 

 However, at two o'clock the rain had ceased, and I 

 reached El Valle de Santiago, from which I immediately 

 ascended the mountain, on its eastern side, where a 

 most charming prospect was laid before me. The wind 

 blew with great violence, but the storm had ceased, 

 and the sun shone with its usual brightness. Far and 

 deep down, was seen the beautiful valley below, and high 

 aloft hung huge columns of basalt, seemingly ready to fall 

 upon my head. Here I begun to grow forgetful of my 



