306 ISLAND OF IBAYAT. [1845. 



who have not yet been admitted as members of the 

 church. As landing is at all times hazardous, and can 

 only be achieved by the aid of a body of men prepared 

 for this service, the Padres had sent forward notice of 

 their intended visit by one of their boats ; the ship quitted 

 San Domingo on the afternoon of the 22th, and favoured 

 by light airs, and a smooth sea we effected our landing at 

 the western side of the island, about five, P.M. Even 

 under these very favourable circumstances, it was far 

 from agreeable, charged as we were with the care of 

 valuable instruments ; free and unshackled by such cares, 

 and in pursuit of pleasure or adventure, it is probable that 

 I should have thought little beyond the cold bath which 

 momentarily appeared to threaten. Immediately our 

 baggage, &c., was landed, it was shouldered by the 



CJO O ' / 



natives in attendance, and we now commenced the ascent 

 of the cliff, (a perpendicular height of ninety feet) by the 

 aid of zig-zag paths and very indifferent ladders; fifty 

 feet more, of rather steep work brought us to the sum- 

 mit of the outline, putting our lungs to the proof. 



The exterior of the Island, as viewed from the sea, is 

 dismally uninteresting, presenting a blank barren outline, 

 defying disembarkation to any but those acquainted with 

 the locality, and defensible against any attacking force ; 

 and moreover, without anchorage. Great was our sur- 

 prise, then, on entering, what may be termed the crust 

 of the island, at beholding a highly cultivated and gently 

 undulating surface at a slightly lower level than its coast- 

 line, and in many spots exhibiting patches of good timber 

 trees. After a pleasant walk of about two miles, we 

 reached the Pueblo of San Rafael, where we took up our 



