POlVTUli S JOURNAL, 



177 



Some supposed it to be on Narborough, others to the east 

 of Narborough, and on the island of Albemarle. I was of 

 the latter opinion, which was confirmed next day, when we 

 had changed our position. At night the whole atmosphere 

 was illuminated by it ; and yet we could perceive neither 

 flames nor sparks thrown out by the crater. I am induced 

 to believe the irruption was of short continuance, as, on 

 the night of the 7th, I could perceive no appearance of it, al- 

 though our distance, I should have supposed, would have 

 admitted of our seeing it, had it not become extinct. 



The winds now began to freshen from the southeast, and 

 gave us at length some hope of getting from those islands, 

 where we had been so long and unexpectedly delayed by 

 calms and currents. The Spaniards call them the En- 

 chanted Islands, probably, from the great difficulty 

 vessels have found in getting from among them. The title 

 seems well applied, and is such a one as I should have felt 

 disposed to give them, had they been destitute of a name. 

 We have been since the 18th April among them, and the 

 greatest part of the time making every effort in o ar power to 

 escape ; and although good fortune in making prizes has well 

 rewarded us for the time we have spent, still I think it not 

 unlikely we should have been equally successful on the 

 coast of Peru, had we been enabled to return there. 



On the 8th we passed to the northward of Abingtoa 

 Island, with a fresh breeze, and all the dull-sailing vessels 

 in tow. But before I bid adieu to the Gallipagos, I shall 

 offer a few hints to those who may hereafter visit them, 

 either with pursuits similar to mine, or in search of whales. 



In the first place, I would recommend to those who may 

 come in search of whalers, to make Hood's Island and 

 Charles' Island, both, of which places I would advise them 

 to search carefully for vessels and traces of their having 

 been there. From thence they should proceed to Albe- 

 marle, looking into both Elizabeth and Banks' Bay ; and, 

 should they find none at either of these places, let them 

 proceed to cruise in sight of Rock Rodondo, which lies off 

 the north head of Albemarle. Here they will be sure of 

 meeting with whalers, if they are about the Gallipagos ; for 

 this is the position they always attempt to keep, as whales 

 most abound there. They, to be sure, get swept some- 

 times to the northward and westward^ and sometimeSj but 



