IN THE PACIFIC. 243 



through a funnel, gathering strength as it 

 approaches the land. Until one is aware of 

 this peculiarity, one is apt to suppose that one 

 is losing a fine breeze by remaining, in port, 

 when in all probability it is precisely the 

 reverse. 



Near to Coiba is the picturesque island of 

 Rancheria, where there is a settlement, but 

 which we had no time to visit. On the evening 

 of the 15th April, we were close to the small 

 island of Cano, where there are said to be some 

 Indian relics of interest; we hove-to for an 

 hour, whilst I landed with the doctor to 

 examine them. We found the remains of an 

 Indian encampment, and a burial-ground, 

 which we did not disturb, but darkness pre- 

 vented further investigation, so we returned on 

 board, and proceeded on our way. The next 

 evening we put into Herradura Bay to cut 

 wood, our supply from Coiba being exhausted. 



Herradura is a small port at the entrance of 

 the Gulf of Nicoya, and is probably seldom or 

 never visited ; we were led to believe by our 



E 2 



