258 



ST. ANTONIO— ST. VINCENT'S. 



[1828 



proves to be the shortest in the end, as they who adopt it never lack 

 westerly winds to waft them to the Cape of Good Hope. 



The island of St. Antonio is about twenty-two miles in length and 

 twelve wide, stretching from north-east to south-west, and abounding 

 with high mountains, whose tops are constantly covered with snow, 

 and are generally hid in the clouds : some say they are equal in eleva- 

 tion to the Peak of TenerhTe. In approaching this island there are no 

 dangers to be avoided ; the water is bold all around it, and it may be 

 circumnavigated with perfect safety a cable's length from the shore. 



There are several good anchoring places on the south and west 

 sides of this island, where wood and water may be had with despatch. 

 The town and custom-house, however, are on its northern extremity 

 just within a narrow point of land that extends off to the north-west, 

 and affords smooth landing for boats all the year round. Here may 

 be procured, in great abundance, black-cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and 

 poultry, by giving one day's notice, together with vegetables and fruits 

 of the finest growth and flavour, in any quantity, and at very moderate 

 prices. 



The population of this island is estimated at about five hundred per- 

 sons, chiefly negroes, under the protection of the Portuguese. The 

 soil is good, well watered, and produces the indigo-plant, the dragon- 

 tree, orange and lemon-trees ; palms, melons, bacovas, pomegranates, 

 and the sugar-cane. The potato and the melon are particularly ex- 

 cellent, and much sought after by mariners. Topazes are found in 

 abundance in one of the mountains, and Frizier assures us that there are 

 mines of gold and silver in the island. From the mountains descend 

 streams of excellent water, which render the land very fruitful. 



Sixteen miles south-east of the island just described is that of St. 

 Vincent's, separated from it by a clear and navigable channel. It is 

 about thirteen miles in length from east to west, and eight in breadth, 

 being about thirty in circumference. The land is generally elevated, 

 except towards the north-west, where it is low and sandy. On this 

 side of the island, looking towards St. Antonio, is a fine capacious 

 bay, or road, called Porto Grande, with a rock in its centre rising from 

 the water like a tower. This bay, which is about five miles broad at 

 its mouth, stretches far inland, where it is surrounded by high moun- 

 tains on every side, sheltering it from all winds, and rendering it one 

 of the safest harbours in all the Cape Verd Islands. But it is not the 

 most easy of access, in consequence of the impetuous winds which 

 frequently blow off the mountains along the coast, so as to endanger 

 ships before they can secure a berth within this peaceful haven. There 

 are several other bays on the south, south-west, and west sides of the 

 island, where good anchorage may be obtained ; and these are gene- 

 rally selected by the Portuguese for landing their hides. Good fresh 

 water may be procured on this island by digging a little depth into the 

 soil of the valley, but the hills are totally destitute of it. Its bays 

 abound with excellent fish, and refreshments of various kinds may be 

 procured with but little difficulty. Here also vessels may be supplied 

 with fuel of a good quality. 



Ten miles east-by-south of St. Vincent's is the island of St. Lucia, 



