MADEIRA. 25 
from our consul, we stopped at Mr. Bean's gate and sent the 
servant in, who returned, informing us that Mr. Bean was not at 
home, but a kind invitation to enter was sent to us from his lady. 
We did so, riding through hedges of Fuchsias and Myrtles twelve 
feet high, when a beautiful little cottage on a small level spot burst 
suddenly upon our view, with its verandahs embosomed in creeping 
vines, and from the notes of various kinds of birds, one could almost 
have fancied oneself in an aviary. All united to give the impression 
that it was the abode of contentment. Several small lakes were 
partially seen, their dimensions being ingeniously hid from view. 
On one of them was seen a tiny fleet safely moored, on another 
waterfalls, &c, &c. ; the banks of others were surrounded with 
aquatic plants, among which was the Calla Ethiopica in full bloom. 
Then again we were struck with the dahlias, geraniums, roses, and 
jasmines, and the varieties of trees and shrubs from the tropics, 
besides willows, oaks, elms, &c, that were familiar to us. A view 
through the trees down the gorge to the distant ocean was beautiful, 
bringing before us all the bold scenery of Madeira : truly it was an 
enchanting spot. The grounds are extensive, and laid out with 
great taste, and each spot appeared in keeping with the whole. 
The hill behind the house was found by the sympiesometer to be 
two thousand and ninety-eight feet above the level of the sea. The 
cottage had every thing to recommend it, in its library, &c, &c. 
All is enjoyed here that such a climate as that of Madeira, combined 
with taste and refinement, can give. 
After a stay of a week we had made all our repairs and arrange- 
ments which were necessary in consequence of our defective outfits, 
recruited the officers and men, and prepared for our departure. 
Lest it should be supposed at home that I had exaggerated the 
state of the ships, I forwarded from Madeira to the Honourable 
Secretary of the Navy, as an ocular proof how defective our outfit 
had been, the iron hoops that had rusted off the pumps, and were 
found in the well-room of the Peacock. Captain Hudson's report 
relative thereto will be found in Appendix XV. 
The diarrhoea made its appearance among the crews, but m 
dispensing with fruit it was soon stopped. 
During our stay, the English schooner Star was seen drifting 
rapidly upon the Brazen-head, and was only saved by the timely 
aid of our boats. She was found to be without an anchor, and had 
been upwards of eighty days at sea from the coast of Africa. The 
7 
VOL. I. ' 
