88 DOUGLAS' JOURNAL 



Heavy dew during the night ; at four o'clock in the morning thermometer 



only 63. 



Sunday, September 26th. Morning clear and pleasant, but rather cool. 

 Had a fine view of the high mountains of Cape Frio and along the coast. 

 Thermometer at noon 75, and 72 in the water. Great numbers of sea- 

 birds, some of which are very large. Hough in the afternoon with high 

 sea. One large turtle (at least from 250 Ib. to 300 Ib. weight) passed the 

 ship yesterday ; one to-day rather smaller. Our attempts to take them 

 were ineffectual. The vessel on tack all day, wind being foul. 



Monday, September 27th. Morning pleasant, with light airs of wind 

 from the north-west. Thermometer at midday 76, and 73 in the water. 

 Calm during the night. 



Tuesday, September 28th. Morning pleasant and warm, with light 

 variable wind from the west and south. Entered the mouth of the river 

 at noon and came to anchor at two o'clock. After being visited by 

 officers from the Custom House, Board of Health, Police, &c., I had to go 

 on shore to the Master of Police, which all passengers have to do. 

 Afterwards we were visited by two officers from the British man-of-war 

 enquiring if we had a mail or could spare them any newspapers. Ther- 

 mometer at noon 84 in the shade ; at eight o'clock in the evening 74. 



Wednesday, September 2th. Went on shore in the evening with the 

 captain and returned two hours after. Called on John Dickson, Esq., a 

 friend of Mr. Sabine's, and a correspondent of the Society, who received 

 me with great kindness. In the most handsome manner he invited me 

 to stay at his house during my visit and made every preparation to make 

 me comfortable. I showed him my instructions and informed him of the 

 object of my voyage, &c. I learned he had been the host of the late Mr. 

 Forbes two years since. The affectionate manner in which he spoke of 

 him, of his disposition, of the amiable way he conducted himself during 

 his residence, reflects much honour on his memory. Mr. Dickson gave 

 me much facility as to my pursuit by sending his servants and introducing 

 me to the knowledge of his friends. 



My movements were greatly frustrated by rains, and as the stay of the 

 vessel was uncertain I could not with propriety make long journeys. 



The approach to Eio is particularly grand. The entrance to the bay 

 or harbour is about half a mile broad, at the mouth of which are four or 

 five small islands all covered with wood on one is a telegraph station. 

 The ground is mountainous, but not rugged, and covered with wood to the 

 summit ; and what appears singular, the palm grows more luxuriantly in 

 such a place than in lower situations. On the left is a conspicuous conical 

 hill, known by the name of Sugar-loaf Mountain, of primitive rock, not 

 unlike the Aberdeen granite with which the London streets are paved. 

 A small fort is built at its base, on which are a few guns ; on the opposite 

 side stands one of larger dimensions. In general the houses are regularly 

 built, but of coarse workmanship, of freestone ; the rooms are lofty, with 

 large doors and windows. Many of the windows are not glazed but 

 have a sort of shutter of lattice-work, with hinges at the top. The only 

 buildings worthy of notice are the churches, among which is the Emperor's 



