FROM TENERIFFE TO BRAZIL. 117 



luxuriant vegetation, must make a very lively im- 

 pression. Near our tent flows a small rivulet of 

 very good M^ater, where we could fill our casks 

 with the greatest convenience. We also tried to 

 fish on the sea shore, and always drew up a full 

 net. We found among the fish a number of very 

 remarkable sea-animals, which were welcome to our 

 naturalists, as indeed the country in general afforded 

 them a rich harvest. Ships which intend to sail 

 round Cape Horn, do well to touch at this island, 

 and not at Rio Janeiro; provisions are here cheaper j 

 you enjoy a far better climate; and, above all, have 

 the advantage of being nearer to Cape Horn. The 

 best coffee grows here in abundance, every inha- 

 bitant having his plantation close to his dwelling j 

 but the trade, though now allowed, is not consider- 

 able, as only few ships come here. The slave trade 

 with the coast of Africa is said to be only per- 

 mitted to the south of the equator. 



While we staid on shore. Lieutenant Schisch- 

 mareff had the ship put in perfect order for 

 doubling Cape Horn, where many storms un- 

 doubtedly awaited us. 



On the 26th of December we had all our instru- 

 ments brought on board, where we found every 

 thing in order, likewise the provisions with which 

 we were provided by the kindness of Mi Pinto. 

 On the 27th, he came from the town to wish us 

 farewell: but my intention to leave Brazil to-day was 

 prevented by a great storm. On the 28th, at five 



I 3 



