60 
At half past one in the afternoon we crossed a branch 
of these mountains which extends to the sea; on my road 
I found specimens of compact granite of a red flesh- 
coloured hue, with very little feldspar. 
From the top of these mountains Cape Spartel is easi- 
ly seen towards the N. W. as also a great extent of 
coast. We perceived at a great distance two fleets of 
men of war, consisting of forty ships at least.* 
Descending from the mountains towards the south, 
we came to a large and pleasant plain, in which a river 
wanders called the Mescharaalaschef, which contains 
plenty of water, although it divides into two arms, which 
we forded. 
The sky became cloudy, and a fresh easterly breeze 
blew in the afternoon so sharp, as to inconvenience us 
in our position on the hill. 
We frequently met with springs, and there was one 
close to our camp which contained excellent water. 
At eight in the evening the thermometer was in the 
open air at l4%f and the hygrometer at 85°. The wind 
blew very sharp from the N. E. 
On our road we met many flocks, which are the 
only riches of the inhabitants; but all the ground was 
uncultivated. 
Thursday, 27th October, at a quarter after seven in 
the" morning we broke up our camp, taking our direc- 
tion towards the S. E., and two hours afterwards we 
turned to S. W. till near eleven, when from a hill we 
saw Cape Spartel almost exactly north, and at about 
fourteen English miles off; the sea visible about twelve 
English miles to the west; the chain of mountains from 
* This was the fleet engaged in the battle of Trafalgar. (Note 
of the French editor.) 
f 62 J Fahrenheit. 
