197 



pastoral fete in the garden of Mr. Little. This 

 gentleman, who had rendered great service to 

 the Canarians during the last famine, has culti- 

 vated a hill covered with volcanic substances. 

 He has formed in this delicious site an English 

 garden, whence there is a magnificent view of 

 the Peak, of the villages along the coast, and the 

 isle of Palma, which limits the vast extent of 

 the ocean. I cannot compare this prospect 

 with any, except those of the bays of Genoa and 

 Naples ; but Orotava is greatly superior to both 

 in the magnitude of the masses, and in the rich- 

 ness of vegetation. In the beginning of the 

 evening, the slope of the volcano exhibited on a 

 sudden a most extraordinary spectacle. The 

 shepherds, in conformity to a custom, no doubt 

 introduced by the Spaniards, though it dates 

 from the highest antiquity, had lighted the fires 

 of St. John. These scattered masses of fire, 

 these columns of smoke driven by the wind, 

 formed a fine contrast with the deep verdure of 

 the forests, which covered the sides of the Peak. 

 Shouts of joy heard from afar were the only 

 sounds, that broke the silence of nature in these 

 solitary abodes. 



Mr. Cologan's family has a country house 

 nearer the coast than that I have just mention- 

 ed. The name given by the proprietor is appro- 

 priate to the sentiment, which this rural spot in- 

 spires. The house of La Paz was also connect- 



