MADEIRA. 



the towering mountains, gilds their summits, 

 and, gradually spreading its rays over the fertile 

 declivities, enlivens and renders distinct the 

 splendid prospect afforded to the voyager. As 

 the sun, however, acquires a stronger powder, 

 its proximity to a wide expanse of waters soon 

 causes a mist to arise by which the clearness of 

 the view from the sea is much obstructed. 



As we approached, the town of Funchal opened 

 to our view, the white habitations rising like an 

 amphitheatre, and the hills around, covered by 

 the variegated tints of a luxuriant vegetation : 

 the whole appearance of the island was such, as 

 to be well calculated to excite the most agreeable 

 sensations of delight at any time, but more espe- 

 cially after the eye has enjoyed for a time only 

 the prospect of sea and sky. 



As it was not our intention to touch at this 

 island, in the course of the day we had passed 

 and left it far in the distance. We spoke off the 

 island one of Don Pedro's blockading squadron ; 

 it was a brig mounting eighteen guns, filled with 

 such a motley crew as one may expect to see in 

 a piratical craft. The spokesman informed us 

 that Don Pedro was with Admiral Sartorius, in 

 a large ship off the north side of the island : we 

 then parted ; they wishing us " un bon voyage," 

 and we, in return, hoped they might obtain 



