VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 
11 
board and purchased some boxes of raisins. The weatlier was re- 
markablj fine and bright, but calm. The sailors call this preliiiii- 
narj state of calms and baffling winds, previous to entering into 
the regular trade-winds, the dolldrums, from which we prayed, that 
we might soon be delivered. 
24th. At daybreak, land was discovered towards the south-east, 
being the Salvages, generally considered as belonging to the Ma- 
deira islands. They are uninhabited. The rocks, called Piton 
rocks, were likewise in sight. The highest of them is a square- 
looking jagged precipice, connected b}^ a dangerous reef, with tv/o 
others, which stand singly, and are not so much elevated. At noon, 
a strange sail appeared in sight, under Spanish colours. We shaped 
our course towards her, and Mr. Buck conveyed some letters on 
board. She proved to be the Constantia from Lancerota, one of 
the Canaries, bound to Ireland for provisions. In the evening, the 
Peak of Teneriffe was seen, bearing south-south-east, but surrounded 
with clouds. Towards night. Brother Clemens was siezed with a 
violent spasm; the pain of which increasing, exceedingly alarmed 
us. As he was convinced from former experience, that nothing 
but bleeding would relieve him. Brother Stein took courage to per- 
form the operation ; and though it was the first time he attempted 
it, without the direction of a surgeon*, it pleased God to give him 
success, and the patient was soon relieved from immediate dan- 
ger, though several days were required to complete his recovery. 
"VVe all felt truly thankful to our Almighty Preserver, to whom our 
prayers were directed for help in so distressing and dangerous an 
emergency. 
25th. Flying clouds and squalls seemed to announce a change of 
weather, and deliverance from the calms we had hitherto suffered. 
* It is usual with the Brethren, that when Missionaries are sent abroad, some in- 
struction is given respecting the treatment of patients of tlilFcrent descriptions, and the 
use of medicines. Brother Stein had thus acquired considerable skill in several brandies 
of surgery, which proved useful on many occasions. 
