322 A VOYAGE TO Book IX. 



refpe6t the principal both for fhelter, capacity, and the 

 goodnefsof its bottom. But both are entirely expofed 

 to the N. and W. though thefe winds, particularly the 

 N. are periodical, and of no long continuance. Thefe 

 harbours, however, when thefe winds do prevail, are 

 both impradlicable, the Ihips being in danger, and all 

 communication with the {hore entirely pr;ecluded by 

 the agitations and violence of the furface-, for the 

 coaft being every where lined with rocks, no boat or 

 veflel can come near it without the greateil danger of 

 being beat to pieces. And even in the feafon of the 

 eafterly winds, you cannot land without fome danger. 

 This interval indeed affords fome days when the agita- 

 tion of the fea is greatly abated, but even in thefe the 

 landing muft be done with great circumfpedlion ; and 

 at other times the violence of the fea, and the rocks 

 on all fides render it utterly impradicable. Thus 

 throughout the whole year this harbour is by no means 

 a defirable retreat but happily ferves on an urgent 

 neceffity of making land, notwithftanding the danger 

 or inconveniency that may attend it. 



After the Portuguefe had caufed the French 

 Eaft-India company to remove from this ifland, they 

 fecured it to themfelves by fortifications ; for befides 

 the three forts which defend the N. harbour, it has 

 two others for the defence of the N. W. and two in 

 the E. part of the ifland in a fmall bay, though fit 

 only for fmall barks, and difficult even to thefe. 

 The forts are all of ftone, fpacibus and well provided 

 with large artillery. Thus though the whole length 

 of the ifland is fcarce two leagues, and it does not 

 yield wherewithal to fupport the garrifon, and the few 

 other inhabitants, it has no lefs than feven elegant 

 forts. It is under the government of Fernambuco, 

 from whence it is fupplied with provifions and other 

 necefiaries. But the jealoufy of the Portuguefe, lefl: 

 any other nation fliould get footing on it, and make 

 that the fountain of farther pretenfions, has induced 

 I them 



