CHAPTER VI. 



A WEEK of favourable winds carried us to the 

 Mexican coast, and after a quick passage of 

 fifteen days from the Galapagos Islands we 

 anchored at Mazatlan. This place, though an 

 indifferent harbour, is the principal seaport on 

 the west coast of Mexico. 



During the fine season, from November till 

 June, the anchorage is quite safe, the climate is 

 then delightful, a fresh breeze blows daily with 

 great regularity, giving place to a gentle land 

 breeze at night. Rain seldom falls during this 

 season ; and fogs are of very rare occurrence. 



From June till November is the rainy season, 

 during which time heavy gales, accompanied by 

 rain, thunder, and lightning, prevail, and the 



