32 AT SEA. 



and we were glad that the pilot did not try to get in the day 

 before. It is a dangerous entrance, and especially so when 



foggy- 



As soon as we had passed the mouth of the harbour, we 

 enjoyed one of the most magnificent views to be seen. The 

 bay of San Francisco has no rival in the world. It is about 

 thirty miles long, and six miles wide, with several islands. 

 All the vessels of the world could easily anchor there^ 

 and many more besides. It is perfectly safe, being sheltered 

 by hills from all sides. Occasionally, in consequence of its 

 large size, the strong winds are felt more or less in the bay, 

 the waves are agitated, but there is no danger, excepting for 

 small canoes. 



At twelve, we anchored close to Yerba Buena Island, 

 opposite San Francisco, but we could not land that day, the 

 wind blowing too hard for small boats. More than 500 vessels 

 were anchored in the port. 



At last we had arrived at the end of our voyage, after 209 

 days of navigation. 



On the 1 6th, after affectionate farewells between pass- 

 engers, officers, and sailors, we embarked in the small boats 

 with our luggage, and landed in the celebrated town of San 

 Francisco. 



