50 CURA(^OA. 



found ourselves contending in a headlong 

 race down these precipitous mountains, at 

 the imminent risk of our necks. 



At five in the afternoon we embarked 

 on board the Helicon, and sailed with the 

 Jane, English merchant-vessel, and a Dutch 

 schooner, under our convoy. 



The following day we came in sight of 

 the island of Cura^oa, and at five p. m. 

 passed close by the town of Wilhelmstadt, 

 which appeared of considerable extent and 

 agre^eably situated, stretching along the sea- 

 shore at the foot of some hills, which bear 

 a considerable resemblance to Salisbury 

 Craigs, near Edinburgh. As the trade-wind 

 blows throughout the whole extent of this 

 island, the general temperature of the climate 

 is agreeable. The houses have a remarka- 

 bly neat appearance, being chiefly white or 

 yellow, with red tile roofs. The harbour, 



