48 riRES OF ST JOHN. 



CHAP. III. Thus the wliole island may be considered as a forest 

 Gencrai ^^ laurels, avbutusrs, and pines, of which the external 

 iiiaiacter of margin only has boon in some measure cleared, while 

 the island, ^j^^ central part consi.sts of a rocky and steril soil, unfit 



even for pasturage. 

 Eve of St. The following day was passed by our travellers in 



JohiL visiting the neighbourhood of Orotava, and enjoying an 



agreeable company at Mr Cologan's. On the eve of St 

 John, they were present at a pastoral fete in the garden 

 of Mr Little, who had reduced to cultivation a hill 

 covered with volcanic substances, from which there is a 

 magnificent view of the Peak, the villages along the 

 coist, and the isle of Palma. Early in the evening, the 

 volcano suddenly exhibited a most extraordinary spec- 

 tacle, the sheplierds having, in conformity to ancient 

 custom, lighted the fires of St John ; the scattered 

 masses of which, with the columns of smoke driven by 

 the wind, formed a fine contrast to the deep verdure of 

 tlie woods that covered the sides of the mountain, while 

 the silence of nature was broken at intervals hy tlie 

 bhouts of joy which came from afar. 



