112 



neriffe. Nothing is more interesting for the 

 geologist, than to observe the relations, on the 

 same point of the globe, between volcanic coun- 

 tries, and those which are primitive or second- 

 ary. When the Canary islands shall have been 

 some day examined in all the parts, which com- 

 pose the system of these mountains, we shall 

 find, that we have been too precipitate in consi- 

 dering the whole group as raised by the action 

 of submarine fires. 



The 19th, in the morning, we discovered the 

 point of Naga*, but the Peak of TenerifFe was 

 still invisible : the land, obscured by a thick fog, 

 presented forms that were vague and confused. 

 As we approached the road of Santa Cruz, we 

 observed that these vapours, driven by the winds, 

 drew nearer. The sea was strongly agitated, as 

 it most commonly is in those latitudes. We an- 

 chored after several soundings, for the mist was 

 so thick, that we could scarcely distinguish ob- 

 jects at a few cables' distance ; but at the mo- 

 ment we began to salute the place, the fog was 

 instantly dispelled. The peak of Teyde appeared 

 in a break above the clouds, and the first rays of 

 the sun, which had not yet risen on us, illumin- 

 ated the summit of the volcano. We hastened 

 toward the bow of the vessel, to enjoy the mag- 

 nificent spectacle, when at the same instant we 



* Punta de Naga } Anaga, or Nago, 



