TEE FIRST SOUNDING AND DREDGING . 
13 
where it was allowed to remain some hours, the 
vessel slowly drifting onward. On hauling in it 
was found turned upside-down, and in a lovely 
tangle. A second attempt was made, and a 
few specimens were brought up, one a rare fish, 
and some others of scientific value, enough to 
compensate for the disappointment of the first 
failure. 
Dredging was resumed on the 2nd January, but 
with no better results, for the dredge fouled the 
bottom, and eventually the rope parted and some 
3000 fathoms were lost. 
The next day we steamed in for the land, the 
weather being much finer as we approached the coast, 
passing on our way between the rocky islands of the 
Bindings and Cape Carvoeiro on the main land, sight- 
ing the village of Peniche, with its numerous wind- 
mills and small houses scattered about, which have 
a very pleasing effect. We passed sufficiently near 
to get a capital view of the dark, frowning cliffs 
which sweep round the sandy beach, named by the 
residents the Praira Formosa, or Beautiful Beach, 
from its shelving sands. 
Happily our troubles were over for a time. 
Clearing Cape Boca and the beautiful heights of 
Cintra, we steamed slowly up the Tagus ; past the 
straggling suburb of Lisbon, with its many-coloured 
villas scattered over the slopes ; past the wonderful 
castle of Belem, with its elegant proportions and rich 
