UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 59 



traces of having been recently inhabited. A kind 

 of substitute for a lamp hung from the roof, and 

 the quantity of bones scattered about, shewed 

 there was no scarcity of provisions. Near this, 

 a natural arch, about seven feet high, opened 

 into a small bay, bounded on all sides by steep 

 perpendicular rocks, which afforded an inacces- 

 sible retreat to multitudes of sea birds. 



" The next day, on approaching the landing 

 place in Cumberland Bay, we were surprised by 

 the appearance of smoke rising among the trees ; 

 and we had the pleasure of finding an English- 

 man there. When heiirst saw our boat, he was 

 afraid it belonged to a Spanish privateer, and 

 had concealed himself in the woods, as they 

 had formerly destroyed his little establishment. 

 He belonged to a party of English and Chilians, 

 employed in sending the skins of cattle, which 

 are now plentiful, to Chili. We were delighted 

 with the beautiful situation where they had 

 fixed their dwelling ; close to a fine stream, and 

 surrounded by a shrubbery of Fuchsia, mixed 

 with peach and apple-trees, pears, figs, vines, 

 and strawberries, rue, mint, radish, and Indian 

 cress, besides oats, were all growing in the 

 greatest profusion ; and the sea abounded with 

 fish. 



" Our new friend had a little collection of 

 English books; and one piece of furniture, 

 which seemed particularly valuable, an old iron 



