SOUTH AMERICA. 



115 



passed by any in the world, resembling a large lake 

 rather than a harbor^ expanded majestically, border- 

 ed by high woody mountains, interspersed with rocky 

 peaks and precipices; their ridges or spurs sloping 

 down to the water's edge, in some places terminating 

 abruptly, in others leaving narrow vallies and a thou- 

 sand beautiful coves or recesses, with sandy beaches. 

 The ridges, or broken grounds, below the mountains, 

 are covered with convents, churches, and beautiful 

 gardens, while the little indents or sandy bays are oc» 

 cupied by elegant country seats; a great many of them 

 constructed by Portuguese noblemen, since the estab- 

 lishment of the court at this place, or by English mer- 

 chants who have grown rich since the opening of 

 trade. A range of much higher mountains is seen to 

 the north-east, probably at least forty or fifty miles 

 distant. The city of Rio Janeiro or St. Sebastian, is 

 built in one of the coves just mentioned, under the 

 mountain, the houses much crowded together; and in- 

 dependently of the buildings perched on heights, or 

 raised on the neighboring vallies, it would not possess a 

 very imposing appearance: but the quantity of ship- 

 ping gave proofs of a busy and active commerce. 

 The ship was scarcely moored in front of the city, 

 when an officer dressed in rich uniform came on board; 

 but he had no sooner set his foot on deck, than he be- 

 came as familiar as if he had been acquainted with ii^; 

 for twenty years. He spoke very good English, and 

 strutted about, repeating the expression, ^^d-~- — -d fine 

 ship, sir — very fine ship indeed. He went below 

 with very little ceremony, and required no pressing to 

 refresh himself with a glass of wine. This lively 

 fellow after cracking his jokes, took the liberty of pnl 



