54 



VOYAGE TO 



dismasted or capsized even at anchor. The 

 Spaniards have aptly termed the river Plata, 

 the " hell of mariners/ 5 (" El infierno de los 

 marineros.") 



We were now riding at anchor in sight of 

 the town^ in a heavy swell; but with fine clear 

 piercing weather, which always accompanies a 

 Pampero, — rendering the atmosphere quite pure 

 and refreshing. 



The town is situated on one side of a bay, 

 and on the opposite side there is a steep,, green 

 hil^ the only one in sight for many miles. 

 From this hill the city takes its name ; 

 of Monte Video, or as the English clip 

 and translate it, u the mount." This hill is 

 surmounted by a fort and signal staff for 

 ships. 



I landed with Captain Harcourt, to visit the 

 consul, and we afterwards rambled through 



