6c i JV/r.M ass on’s Account of 
has a nearer affinity to Europe than Africa. The moun- 
tains are covered with the erica vulgaris , and an elegant 
ever-green fhrub very like a phillyrea , which gives them 
a moil beautiful appearance. Notwithftanding this 
illand has been frequently vifited by Europeans, I cannot 
help communicating to you a few of its Angularities. 
It is one of the principal and moft fertile of the Azo- 
rian iflands lying nearly Eaft to Weft; its length is about 
eighteen or twenty leagues ; its breadth unequal, not ex- 
ceeding five leagues, and in fome places not more than 
two. It contains about eighty thoufand inhabitants. 
Its capital the city of Ponta del Guda, which contains 
about twelve thoufand inhabitants, is fituated on the 
South-fide of the ifland, on a fine fertile, plain country, 
pretty regularly built; the ftreets ftrait, and of a good 
breadth. It is fupplied with good w r ater, which is 
brought about the diftance of three leagues from the 
neighbouring mountains. The churches and other re- 
ligious edifices are elegant and well built for fuch an 
ifland. There is a large convent of Francifcan friars 
and one of the order of St. Auguftin, four convents for 
profeffed nuns, and three Recolhimentos for young w r o- 
men and widows who are not profelled . The veflels 
anchor in an open road ; but it is not dangerous, as no 
wind 
