SEPT. 1768 MADEIRA 



described, and in that they all three agree, viz. in having 

 two eyes joined together under one common membrane 

 without the least distinction or division between them, which 

 circumstance alone seems a sufficient reason for constituting 

 a new genus. 



10th. To-day for the first time we dined in Africa, and 

 took leave of Europe for heaven alone knows how long, 

 perhaps for ever ; that thought demands a sigh as a tribute 

 due to the memory of friends left behind, and they have it, 

 but two cannot be spared, 'twould give more pain to the 

 sigher than pleasure to those sighed for. 'Tis enough that 

 they are remembered : they would not wish to be too much 

 thought of by one so long to be separated from them, and 

 left alone to the mercy of winds and waves. 



12th. At ten to-night came to an anchor in Funchiale 

 Bay, Madeira. 



13th-18th. The product boat l (as it is called by English 

 sailors) from the officers of health, whose leave must be 

 obtained before any ship's crew can land, came on board about 

 eleven, and we immediately went on shore in the town 

 of Funchiale, the capital of the island, situate in latitude 

 32 40' N. It is so called from the fennel which grows in 

 plenty upon the rocks in its neighbourhood, and is called 

 funcho in Portuguese. Here we immediately went to the 

 house of the English consul, Mr. Cheap, one of the first 

 merchants in the place, where we were received with un- 

 common marks of civility, he insisting upon our taking 

 possession of his house, and living entirely with him during 

 our stay, which we did, and were by him furnished with 

 every accommodation that we could wish for. Leave was 

 procured by him for us to search the island for whatever 

 natural productions we might find worth noticing ; people 

 were also employed to procure for us fish and shells ; horses 

 and guides were obtained for Dr. Solander and myself 

 to carry us to any part of the island which we might 

 choose to visit. But our very short stay, which was only 

 five days, made it impossible to go to any distance ; so we 



1 i.e. the pratique boat. 



