1832. SAt^TA MARTHA — CATHARINA. 8S 



peak of the Corcovado, and the singular heights over Tijuca, 

 can be seen at once. Whimsical allusion has been made to the 

 first Lord Hood in the name by which one of these heights 

 is called by English sailors ; and in their general outline is a 

 fancied resemblance to a huge giant lying on liis back. 



Off Santa Martha, a sort of Cape Spartivento, near which 

 one rarely passes without having a change of wind, if not a 

 storm, we were detained by strong southerly gales, which 

 raised a high sea. This extreme movement and delay I regret- 

 ted much at the time, on account of the chronometers ; but the 

 sequel shewed that such motion did not affect them materially, 

 and that alterations of their rates were caused chiefly, if not 

 entirely, by changes of temperature. 



Gales in the latitude of Santa Martha generally commence 

 with north-westerly winds, thick cloudy weather, rain, and 

 lightning. When at their height, the barometer begins to rise 

 (having previously fallen considerably), soon after which the 

 wind flies round, by the west, to south-west, and from that 

 quarter usually blows very hard for several hours. But these, 

 which are the ordinary gales, blow from, or along the land, and 

 do not often raise such a sea as is sometimes found off this 

 coast during a south-east storm. 



After a tiresome continuance of south-west winds, I became 

 anxious to make Santa Catharina, but before we could reach 

 it the wind changed, and enabled us to steer along the coast 

 towards the south. Having mentioned Santa Catharina, I 

 may as well add a few words to the many lavished in its praise 

 by voyagers of all nations ; for it is, excepting Rio de J aneiro, 

 and perhaps Bahia, the best trading port on the east coast 

 of South America ; and, considering its situation, capa- 

 bilities, and productions, is a place in which seamen must 

 always have an interest. It enjoys the advantages of a tem- 

 perate climate ; an extensive and accessible harbour; a most 

 fertile country, abounding in the necessaries of life ; and a mer- 

 cantile position of much importance. The people are more 

 inclined to exert themselves than those in northern Brazil; a 

 difference arising partly, no doubt, from effect of climate; 



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