418 



BAY AND TOWN OF TAAL. 



[1830 



I was now very much amused with the curiosity, vivacity, and ac- 

 tivity of my wife, who was almost constantly on deck, with her drawing 

 apparatus, sketching different views of the islands as we passed them ; 

 and the hundreds of native-built boats, bound to and from Manilla, some 

 of which were striking specimens of clumsy naval architecture, and 

 still worse rigging. Her spirits, so long depressed, were now buoyant 

 as the air, and she flitted about the vessel like some ethereal form from 

 a higher sphere. I found my own mental temperament much improved 

 by the influence of her society ; her sweetly smiling vivacity and ex- 

 uberance of spirits operated on my own feelings like a charm — I was 

 insensibly awakened from my despondency, hope was rekindled in my 

 bosom, and, as far as respected myself, I could contemplate my recent 

 misfortunes without a sigh of regret. The safety of the Antarctic was 

 identified with that of one who was dearer to me than life. What 

 stronger security could exist for the care and vigilance of her com- 

 mander ! Were I a merchant and a ship-owner, so far from opposing 

 the wishes of an affectionate wife who would accompany her husband 

 on a long and hazardous voyage, I would recommend such a measure 

 to every ship-master in my employ, and consider it of more value to my 

 interest than the policy of ensurance. 



July 20th. — At 2, P. M., we passed along the mouth or entrance of 

 the bay of Taal, which presents some delightful scenery, and affords 

 many magnificent views, to such as have leisure to sail about in quest 

 of them. It is about twelve miles in circumference, of a shape ap- 

 proaching the circular, and its winding shores, on both sides, are 

 screened with grand ramparts of rocks and red clay-banks. At the 

 head of the bay, in the centre, between these bulwarks of nature, the 

 country descends to the shore with a gentle slope, forming a beautiful 

 vale, which falls with a gradual and easy descent to the sandy beach 

 which lines that section of the circle. All around this delightful sheet 

 of water the land is covered with trees, even on the rocks of its 

 western shores, wherever they can obtain footing or shelter ; but on 

 the eastern side of the bay they grow with great luxuriance. 



On the gentle declivity just mentioned, at the head of the bay, stands 

 the celebrated town of Taal. The tasteful eye which selected the site 

 could not have anywhere rested on a more delicious spot. Hills 

 crowned with wood, and beautiful valleys covered with fruitful planta- 

 tions, greet the eye on every side ; while in front of this little town 

 opens the wide-spreading bay, with its rocky and clayey banks bend- 

 ing round it, reflecting all the variety of light and shade which the sua 

 in its circling course throws profusely upon it. In this secluded re- 

 treat dwells a society of monks, safely remote from the noise and 

 vices of the turbulent world, dwelling in peaceful security, and fearing 

 no harm or molestation from the native Tagalians, over whom their 

 influence is unbounded. This town is resorted to by a few fashion- 

 ables in the summer season, as a watering-place ; and a more pleasant , 

 one could scarcely be selected. 



July 23d. — We continued on our passage through the strait, with 

 variable winds, and fair weather, until Friday, the 23d, when, at 7, 

 P. M., we came to anchor on the east side of the island of Sackathi 



