TO RIO DE JANEIRO. 23 



from it in 1560. From this place, there is a view of a great part of 

 the extensive bay of Rio, which is surrounded in the blue distance by 

 high mountains, among which the Serra dos Orgaos (the Organ 

 Mountain) is distinguished by two very remarkable summits or horns, 

 like those in Switzerland. Man}^ charming islands lie in this, the 

 most beautiful and safest harbour of the New World, the entrance of 

 which is defended by strong batteries on each side. Directly opposite 

 lies the city of Rio de Janeiro, or properly, S. Sebastian, which is 

 built on several hills close to the shore ; and, with its churches and 

 convents on the heights, presents an agreeable prospect. The im- 

 mediate back-ground of the town is formed by beautiful green hills 

 covered with wood, and of nearly a conical or rounded shape ; they 

 add infinitely to the beauty of the landscape, the fore-ground of 

 which is enlivened by numerous ships of all nations. Here all is a 

 scene of life, bustle, and activity ; boats and canoes move to and 

 fro, and the little coasting vessels, from the neighbouring ports, fill 

 up the intervals between the majestic three-masted ships of the na- 

 tions of Europe. 



Our vessel had scarcely come to an anchor, when we were sur- 

 rounded by a number of boats ; one of them was manned by soldiers, 

 who immediately occupied the deck ; the Custom-house ofilicers came 

 on board, and also officers of the Board of Health, who made en- 

 quiries into the health of the crew and passengers ; and other officers, 

 who examined our passports : lastly, the ship was filled by a crowd of 

 English, eagerly asking after news from their own country. 



The last evening on board our ship, after our imprisonment of 

 seventy-two days, passed quickly away ; and while we conversed till 

 late in the night upon deck, enjoying the mild light of the moon, 

 and an agreeably warm temperature, we could not avoid mutually 

 expressing our impatient expectations for the coming day. Our 

 imagination painted the most lively pictures of the scene just opening 



