TO RIO JANEIRO. 31 
On the night of the 6th of October, we hove to off the island of 
St. Jago. Seldom have we seen the sea exhibit so much phospho- 
rescence. Its brilliancy was so great, that it might truly be said to 
have the appearance of being on fire. We made some experiments 
to ascertain the depth to which these phosphorescent animalcule 
extended. After many trials they were not found below eighteen 
fathoms. The temperature of the water at that depth was 79°, at 
the surface 80°, and at one hundred fathoms depth 58°. The mean 
temperature of the air from Madeira until our arrival off this port, 
was found to have increased from 69° to 78°, while the difference in 
the water was from 71° to 81°. 
On the morning of the 7th, we anchored in Porto Pray a bay. 
The island of St. Jago presents a very different appearance from 
Madeira, particularly the southeastern portion of it, though its 
formation is known to be similar. There are many high peaks 
and mountains in its centre, which afford a fine background for the 
barren and uninteresting coast scenery. 
The time of our arrival was just after the rainy season, the island 
consequently presented a more verdant appearance than it does at 
other seasons of the year. 
Our consul, F. Gardiner, Esq., came on board and made us wel- 
come to all the island afforded. An officer was despatched to call 
upon his excellency the governor, to report our arrival, who proved 
