118 



on the declivity of Vesuvius, and in the inside 

 f it's crater, the intensity of the magnetic forces 

 is modified by the proximity of the lavas*. 



After having undergone the fatigue of answer- 

 ing the numberless questions about political 

 events put by persons who came to visit us on 

 board, we landed. The boat was immediately 

 sent back to the ship, lest the surf, which in this 

 road is very dangerous, should drive it against 

 the mole. The first object that met our view 

 was a tall woman, of a very tawny complexion, 

 and badly clothed, who was called the capitana. 

 She was followed by several others, whose dress 

 was not more becoming. They all earnestly 

 requested permission to go on board the Pi- 

 zarro, which was of course refused. In this 

 port, so much frequented by Europeans, licen- 

 tiousness bears the semblance of order. The 

 capitana is a chief chosen by her companions, 

 over whom she exercises great authorty. She 

 prevents whatever may be injurious to the ser- 

 vice of the vessels ; she engages the sailors to 

 return on board at their stated hours. It is to 

 her that the officers apply, when they fear that 

 any of their crew conceal themselves with the 

 intention of deserting. 



On entering the streets of Santa Cruz, we felt 

 a suffocating heat, though the thermometer was 

 not above 25 degrees. Those who have for a 



* Memoires de la Soci£te d'Arcueil, t. i, p. 9, 



