TRAVELS IN BftAZIL, 109 



in the air 22.00°, in the water 22.50°, in water 

 taken from the depth of 200 fathoms 21.50° ; the 

 araeometer in water taken from the surface 2.75°, 

 and later 2.50° to 2.25°; from the depth of 200 

 fathoms 2.50° j the hygrometer stood between 

 54° and 64° ; the barometer at 28° ; the variation 

 of the magnetic needle between 13° 4>8', and 

 12° 48' W. 



In these seas the sun rises from the ocean with 

 great splendour, and gilds the clouds accumulated 

 in the horizon, which in grand and various groups 

 seem to present to the eye of the spectator, conti- 

 nents with high mountains and valleys, with vol- 

 canoes and seas, mythological and other strange 

 creations of fancy. The lamp of day gradually 

 rises in the transparent blue sky ; the damp grey 

 fogs subside ; the sea is calm or gently rises and 

 falls, with a surface smooth as a mirror, in a regular 

 motion. At noon a pale, faintly shining cloud rises, 

 the herald of a sudden tempest, which at once dis- 

 turbs the tranquillity of the sea. Thunder and 

 lightning seem as if they would split our planet j 

 but a heavy rain of a salt taste, pouring down in the 

 midst of roaring whirlwinds, puts an end to the 

 raging of the elements, and several semicircular 

 rainbows, extended over the ocean like gay trium- 

 phal arches, and multiplied on the wrinkled surface 

 of the water, announce the peaceful termination of 

 the great natural phenomenon. As soon as the 

 air and sea have recovered their repose and equi- 

 librium, the sky again shows its transparent azure ; 



