HISTORICAL SKETCH 143 



which was supposed to be the grave of the two 

 lovers. The final ceremony consisted in the laying 

 of the foundation-stone of a chapel dedicated, in 

 accordance with Machim's request, to the Redeemer 

 of Mankind. 



Before returning to Portugal to announce the 

 joyful news of his discovery, Zargo explored the 

 coast, and named various points and bays with the 

 names they still bear at the present day. Machim's 

 bay was named Machico, and may claim to be the 

 oldest settlement. The most eastern point of the 

 island had already been named Ponta de Sao 

 Lourenso when the travellers rounded it some say 

 because Zargo, calling for the aid of St. Lourenso, 

 after whom his ship was named, jumped into the sea 

 at this point and landed ; others assert that the point 

 was merely named after one of his companions who 

 bore the saint's names. 



Santa Cruz was so named because at this spot 

 the party found some large trees lying on the 

 shore, torn up by the elements, out of which they 

 formed a large wooden cross. Porto do Seixo 

 owes its name to the freshness and purity of 

 its spring water, for which it is still famous ; 

 and the explorers were so struck by the great 

 springs of pure water which gush out of a grand 



