THELAND. 57 



subdued, and entered heart and spirit into the 

 peaceful scene. 



It was midday when we raised the .and. On 

 "turning out" next morning, we found our ship 

 lying becalmed in front of the vast Peak of Pico, 

 which, at a distance of some ten or twelve miles, 

 seemed almost overhanging the vessel. All was 

 now bustle and preparation. The Portuguese, usu- 

 ally so taciturn, were excited beyond all measure; 

 and as under the pressure of a gentle breeze we 

 neared the land, they eagerly pointed out to each 

 other, and to the crew, various objects, familiar to 

 them, tlie scenes of former labors or pleasures. 



And when at last, about four o'clock in the af- 

 ternoon, we dropped anchor in the bay, the Port- 

 uguese boatmen who shortly came on board, were 

 hailed and shaken hands with as old familiar 

 friends, although they had probably never before 

 been known to our men. 



It is a very agreeable thing to make land, under 

 almost any circumstances. The tedious and mo- 

 notonous life of a sea-voyage is pleasantly broken 

 in upon and aside from the satisfaction felt by 

 all on board at knowing that so much of the ob- 

 ject of the voyage has been accomplished, every 

 mind revels, in anticipation, in tho pleasures and 

 diversions of the shore. On such occasions old 

 quarrels are amicably arranged, and new friend- 

 ships are formed; all hearts open ur consciously; 

 and while gazing with eager longing at the blue 

 mountain tops in the distance, you suddenly ar 



