FROM MADEIRA TO VALPARAISO, CHILI. 25 



CHAPTER II. 



FROM MADERIA TO VALPARAISO, CHILI. 



On the 25th we took our departure, and stood to the south- 

 ward. 



On the 6th at sunset, being near St. Jago, we hove-to, and 

 continued so until next morning. The early part of the night 

 was quite cloudy, a circumstance which greatly contributed to 

 render the sea in the vicinity of the island appear much more 

 phosphorescent than usual. Its brilliancy was so great that 

 we could almost see to read by it, and we all remained on deck 

 for hours to enjoy the scene. By straining some of the water 

 through a piece of muslin, it was found to contain myriads of 

 animalculss, which in the dark shone as brilliantly as the 

 fire-fly. 



At early daylight we filled away, and stood in for Porto 

 Praya, where we arrived at 7 A. M. This harbor may be 

 described as a semicircular bay, of several miles in circumfe- 

 rence, with bold steep shores. The entrance is from the south- 

 west, and is free from all danger. The usual landing is around 

 the bluff, upon which the fort and town are built. Sometimes 

 a heavy swell sets in the bay, which renders landing very 

 difficult. 



St. Jago is one of the largest of the Cape de Verde Islands. 

 It extends from the 15th to the 16th degree of north lati- 

 tude, and from the 24th to the 25th degree of west longi- 

 tude. The population is estimated at 25,000. There are 

 many fine pastures to be seen in the interior of the island, 



