FROM MADEIRA TO VALPARAISO, CHILI. 25 



CHAPTEE II. 



FROM MADERIA TO VALPARAISO, CHILI. 



On the 25th we took our departure and «tood to the 

 southward. 



On the 6th at sunset, being near St. Jago, we hove-to, 

 and continued so until next morning. The early part of 

 the night was quite cloudy, a circumstance which greatly 

 contributed to render the sea in the vicinity of the island ap- 

 pear much more phosphorescent than usual. Its brilliancy 

 was so great that we cold almost see to read by it, and we 

 all remained on deck for hours to enjoy the scene. By 

 straining some of the water through a piece of muslin, it 

 was found to contain myriads of animalculse, which in the 

 dark shone as brilliantly as the fire-fly. 



At early daylight we filled away, and stood in for Porto 

 Praya, where we arrived at 7 A. M. This harbor may be 

 described as a semicircular bay, of several miles in cir- 

 cumference, with bold steep shores. The entrance is from 

 the southwest, and is free from all danger. The usual 

 landing is around the bluff, upon which the fort and town 

 are built. Sometimes a heavy swell sets in the bay, which 

 renders landing very difficult. 



St. Jago is one of the largest of the Cape de Yerde 

 Islands. It extends from the 15th to the 16th degree of 

 north latitude, and from the 24th to the 25th degree of 

 west longitude. The population is estimated at 25,000, 

 There are many fine pastures to be seen in the interior of 

 the island, and here and there a valley of great fertility 



