A SPLENDID VIEW 53 



edge, the remains of a Portuguese convict 

 settlement was to be seen. There appeared to be 

 little of it standing, but the foundations of the 

 houses, deserted for many years past, could be 

 clearly distinguished. To our immediate right 

 was a peak of about the same height as that upon 

 which we were standing. The ground had slipped 

 away from it to such an extent that all vegetation 

 had been destroyed, and only the deep red-coloured 

 earth was to be seen. Further to the right 

 towered the " Sugarloaf," boldly outlined against 

 the deep blue sea. It was full of crannies and 

 ledges, in which petrels were nesting in vast 

 numbers. As soon as we appeared above the sky- 

 line these birds left their nests and flew backwards 

 and forwards in immense and continually in- 

 creasing numbers, until the air was full of a 

 screaming multitude of birds. Below, above and 

 on all sides of us these birds wheeled and shrieked, 

 until the clamour became almost deafening. 



Beyond the " Sugarloaf " we could see " Noah's 

 Ark," a mass of rock rising straight up from the 

 sea, and shaped like the familiar toy so dear to 

 children. This rock was likewise covered with 

 petrels, and they also joined the tumult. At the 

 foot of " Noah's Ark " the pirate's treasure is 

 supposed to be buried. Whether there is really 

 any treasure is doubtful, but if there is, it is 

 probable that it will never be found, as, owing to 



the brittle character of the soil, the land is con- 



F 



