182 



COAST OF MEXICO. 



and oft-times they make some faint breathings, 

 and, as if not willing to offend, they make a halt, 

 atid seem ready to retire. I have waited many a 

 time, both ashore to receive the pleasure, and at 

 sea to take the benefit of it. 



" It comes in a fine small black curl upon the 

 water, whereas all the sea between it and the 

 shore, not yet reached by it, is as smooth and 

 even as glass in comparison. In half an hour^s 

 time after it has reached the shore, it fans pretty 

 briskly, and so increaseth, gradually, till twelve 

 ©''clock, then it is commonly strongest, and lasts 

 so till two or three a very brisk gale ; about 

 twelve at noon, it also veers off to sea two or three 

 points, or more in very fair weather. After three 

 o'clock, it begins to dye away again, and gradu- 

 ally withdraws its force till all is spent, and 

 about five o'clock, sooner or later, according a$ 

 the weather is, it is lulled asleep, and comes no 

 more till the next morning. 



" Land-breezes are as remarkable as any winds 

 that I have yet treated of ; they are quite contra- 

 ry to the sea-breezes ; for those blow right from 

 ihe shore, but the sea-breeze right in upon the 



