60 7 MALIGNANT FEVER. 
Grenada, they found that, although the colour of 
the sea was not visibly changed, the thermometer in- 
dicated a temperature several degrees lower than that 
~ of the neighbouring parts. The wind diminished 
after sunset, and the clouds dispersed as the moon 
reached the zenith. Numerous falling-stars were 
seen on this and the following nights. 
On the 14th, at sunrise, they were in sight of the 
Bocca del Drago, and distinguished the island. of 
Chacachacarreo. When 17 miles distant from the 
coast, they experienced, near Punta de la Baca, the 
effect of a current which drew the ship southward. 
Heaving the lead, they found from 230 to 275 feet, 
with a bottom of very fine green clay,—a depth much 
less than, according to Dampier’s rule, might have 
been expected in the vicinity of a shore formed of 
very elevated and perpendicular mountains. 
The disease which had broken out on board the 
Pizarro made rapid progress from the time they ap- 
proached the coast. The thermometer kept steady 
at night between 71-6° and 73-4°, and during the day 
rose to between 73°2° and 80°6°. The determina- 
tion to the head, the extreme dryness of the skin, 
the prostration of strength, and all the other symp- 
toms became more alarming ; but it was hoped that 
the sick would recover as soon they were landed 
on the island of St Margaret or at the port of Cu- 
mana, both celebrated for their great salubrity. This 
hope, however, was not entirely realized, for one of 
the passengers fell a victim to the distemper. He was 
an Asturian, nineteen years of age, the only son of 
a poor widow. Various circumstances combined to 
render the death of this young man affecting. He 
was of an exceedingly gentle disposition, bore the 
