203 



" Amid the heavens 

 " Falsely serene, the tempest brooding dwells: 

 " Fiery and foul, the small prognostic hangs ! 



" then down at once 



" Precipitant descends a mingled mass 



" Of roaring winds, and flame, and rushing floods !" Thomson. 



Sailing eastward of the Azores, a pleasant breeze wafted us 

 along the coast of St. Mary's, within sight of its orange-groves, 

 villas, hamlets, and corn-fields, scattered among craggy precipices 

 and foaming cascades. We passed between St. Mary's and a chain 

 of rocks called the Homugas, on which the waves beat violently; 

 and after coasting along St. Michael's, famous for its oranges, we 

 saw several other islands belonging to Portugal, situated about 

 three hundred leagues to the westward of that kingdom. The 

 climate of the Azores, though subject to earthquakes, is mild and 

 salubrious; they afford the inhabitants all the necessaries of life, 

 and abound with corn, wine, and fruits. Angra, in the island of 

 Tercera, is the seat of government, and the residence of the gover- 

 nor-general, the bishop, and principal officers; this capital con- 

 tains a cathedral, and several other churches; there is a good har- 

 bour, and generally a brisk trade. 



After leaving the Azores, the Atlantic presented a lively 

 scene of vessels sailing in all directions: we spoke with several, 

 and exchanged presents of tea, arrack and Indian delicacies, for 

 the grateful return of English porter, butter and cheese, on which 

 we regaled for the remainder of the voyage; which, notwithstand- 

 ing it was now the beginning of summer, was not concluded with- 

 out fresh gales, boisterous seas, and cold weather; so late as the 

 30th of May, the decks were covered with snow, At that time 



