hie of France, ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



541 



Porto Novo pagodas used to pass at the same rate as star pagodas, 

 notwithstanding they are inferior; but Government having made an alter- 

 ation, they only pass current at 7s. (id. Guineas, sovereigns, and Bank 

 notes are generally at a premium ; passengers returning to England pre- 

 ferring to put up with the loss here to that in England, upon the sale of 

 East India coins. 



Weights and Measures. — All wcighable commodities are bought and 

 sold by avoirdupois weight, and the English yard is the common measure for 

 cloth, linens, Sec. 



ASCENSION. — This island is about 250 leagues N. W. of St. Helena. 

 It is three leagues long from N. to S., and about two from E. to W., and 

 evidently of volcanic origin. It is covered with a reddish earth, not unlike 

 brick-dust, and the hills are strewed with a large quantity of rocks, full of 

 holes and pummice -stones : the whole island has a dismal appearance. It 

 may be seen about 10 leagues distant in clear weather. There are neither 

 springs nor streams on the island ; water is found in some hollows, but it 

 very soon evaporates. There are a number of wild-goats, which are very 

 lean ; some rats and mice, and a few insects. 



This island is at present only frequented on account of its turtles, of 

 which it furnishes the finest in the world ; their weight is in general from 4 

 to 700 lbs. and may with care and caution be taken to any extent. The 

 anchoring place is on the N. W. side of the island, off Sandy Hay. A good 

 mark for anchoring is to bring Cross Hill on the middle of Sandy Bay; 

 when it bears S. S. E. and 10 fathoms, you will be about half a mile 

 off* shore. There is a great surf upon the shore, and the landing is 

 troublesome. 



The centre of the island is in latitude V 52 N., and longitude 

 13° 54' W. 



FERDINAND NORONHA. — This island is situated near the Coast 

 of Brazil, in latitude 3° 55 S., and longitude 32" 35' W. ; and in the event 

 of any circumstance preventing the homeward-bound East India ships from 

 touching at St. Helena, their instructions from the Company are to proceed 

 to Ferdinand Noronha. 



This island is about ten miles long and two broad, and Is remarkable 

 for a high rocky peak, called the Pyramid, very barren and rugged ; and by 

 its S. W. point, named the Hole in the Wall, which is pierced through, and 

 gives a free passage to the sea. The S. point is distinguishable by a little 

 rocky islet that appears like a statue. There are two harbours capable of 

 receiving ships of the greatest burthen ; one is on the N. side, and the other 

 on the N. W. The former is in every respect the principal both for shelter, 



