108 



TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



when we perceived it in the resplendent firmament* 

 We all contemplated it with feelings of profound 

 devotion, as a type of salvation ; but the mind was 

 especially elevated at the sight of it, by the re- 

 flection that even into this region, which this beau- 

 tiful constellation illumines, under the significant 

 name of the cross, the European has carried the 

 noblest attributes of humanity, science and Chris- 

 tianity, and impelled by the most exalted feelings, 

 endeavours to spread them more and more exten- 

 sively in the remotest regions. 



In proportion as the southern firmament rose 

 above our horizon, that of the northern hemi- 

 sphere sunk below it. Those who considered 

 Europe exclusively as their country, looked with 

 painful sensations on the polar star, as it sunk lower 

 and lower, till it at length vanished in the thick 

 mist of the horizon. The further we advanced to 

 the south, the N.E. wind gradually abated, and 

 alternated with fainter winds from the N. or E. 

 In 10° 30' N. latitude, and longitude 23° 15' W. of 

 Paris, the wind entirely ceased, and a majestic 

 repose reigned in the air and water. While we 

 remained in this region of calms, the thermometer 

 was on an average at half-past six in the morning, 

 in the shade 21.50° R., in the water 22.00°; at 

 half-past seven^ in the shade and in the watef 

 22.00° ; at noon, in the sun 24.75°; in the shade and 

 in the water 22.50° ; in the evening at half-past 

 eight, in the air and Water 22.50"' ; at nine o'clock. 



