CHAP. ir. BOURBON AND MAURITIUS FROM THE SEA. 49 



to preserve, but that he had not done so. A little attention 

 which I had shown the poor fellow in a time of sickness had 

 probably made him my friend, and saved my plants. 



Eighteen days after leaving Madagascar we saw the lofty 

 volcanic land of Bourbon. This island is much higher than 

 Mauritius, more compact in form, and its scenery consequently 

 less picturesque and beautiful. We were probably sixty 

 miles distant when it was first seen, and though clouds rested 

 on its higher portions, its summit and the greater part of its 

 outline were often afterwards clearly visible. The coast of 

 this island is much exposed in consequence of the absence of 

 sheltering reefs and deep bays. WTiile sailing along in sight 

 of it, we were told by some on board with us that there were 

 great numbers of tamarind and other fragrant trees, and that 

 at certain seasons of the year the odours from the tamarind 

 blossom and other flowers were wafted far over the ocean, 

 perfuming the air, to the great enjoyment of those sailing 

 near its coast. We were, however, beyond the reach of these 

 odorous breezes, or the tamarind and other fragrant trees 

 were not in blossom, for none of the perfume reached us, or 

 we might have realised the truth of Milton's lines — 



" As when to them who sail 

 Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past 

 Mozambic, off at sea north-east winds blow 

 Sabean odours from the spicy shore 

 Of Araby the Blest ; with such delay 

 Well pleased they slack their course, and many a league 

 Cheer'd with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles. " 



On Sunday, the 28th of August, we obtained our first sight 

 of Mauritius, but wind and sea were against us, and two 

 nights afterwards it blew a gale, which our ship, in its crippled 

 condition with regard to rigging, was but ill able to bear. 

 During the day we sailed as near the land as practicable, and 

 at night stood out to sea. Nothing could surpass the beauty 

 of the scenery of Mauritius as viewed from the sea. The 



E 



