236 SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 



in every department better managed than that 

 of Mexico ; and it was well attended on the 

 only night I saw it. 



On the 28th we sailed for England, but 

 meeting with contrary winds, and calms, 

 were obliged to put in at the Island of St. 

 Michael's, one of the Azores, where we re- 

 mained two days, taking in water, live oxen, 

 and vegetables. St. Michael's is really a 

 most charming place, and its principal town 

 contains a number of English families. My 

 reception here was very gratifying, English- 

 men meeting with the greatest hospitality 

 and attention. The climate is like the finest 

 part of Italy, and the markets abound with 

 every thing requisite for the enjoyment of 

 life, I visited some of the extensive gardens, 

 which produce the celebrated oranges for the 

 supply of the English market. The wines 

 made here nearly equal those of Madeira. I 

 went to several of the Portuguese convents 



