380 



humboldt's cuba. 



is a local phenomenon, is an error that is too widely- 

 disseminated, for currents of water circulate in the 

 interior of the earth for long distances, between 

 strata of peculiar density or nature, as do the rivers 

 that wear the surface of the globe. Don Franaisao^ 

 Lemaur, the learned engineer, who subsequently dis- 

 played such energy and valor in the defence of the 

 castle of San Juan de Ulua, informed me that in the 

 bay of Jagua, half a degree east of the Jardinillos, 

 springs of fresh water are found boiling up in the 

 midst of the sea, two and a half leagues from the 

 shore. 1 The water rushes from these springs with 

 sufficient force to cause a dashing of the waves, 

 making the vicinity dangerous for small canoes. 

 Vessels that do not wish to go into the harbor. 01 

 Jagua, sometimes till their casks at these sea foun- 

 tains, and the water is more or less cold according as 

 they take it near to, or far from the bottom. The 

 Manatees (sea calves), guided by their instinct, have 

 discovered this region of fresh water, and the fisher- 

 men, who are very fond of the flesh of these cetaceos 



1 Similar springs of fresh water occur in the bay of Cardenas, on 

 the north coast of Cuba, springing forth with such strength that 

 fresh water can be dipped up with a bucket, in the midst of the sea 

 water. We have been told that in some parts of that town, running 

 water is found under the earth, on sinking wells a short dis- 

 tance. 



