hearts at this happy prospect; those only who have been in a 
similar situation can conceive it: favoured bj^ a gentle breeze, we 
gradually approached the cocoa-nut groves, which seemed to rise 
from the ocean, on the low sandy shore, near the Dutch settlement 
of Cochin, where we anchored in the evening. The ship was soon 
surrounded by boats, laden with cattle, poultry, fruit, and vege- 
tables: this was indeed a most grateful visit to us all: but especially 
to our poor invalids; who were immediately brought upon deck 
to enjoy the refreshing gales from the land, and partake of our 
delicious fare. The town of Cochin is pleasantly situated near 
the road, at the entrance of a broad river, surrounded bv the low 
lands and cocoa-nut trees just mentioned; beyond them are woody 
hills, and majestic mountains, forming a noble boundary to the 
landscape. 
We remained only two days at Cochin, and then sailed for 
Bombay, aided by the land and sea winds, which alternately pre- 
vail on the Malabar coast, after the breaking up of the south-west 
monsoon: the former blows fresh during great part of the night, 
and gradually declines a few hours after sun-rise; when the western 
breeze sets in from the ocean, and lenders the navigation delight- 
ful. As the season advances towards the commencement of the 
ensuing monsoon, in the months of April and May, the north-west 
winds blow strong; and the ships sailing to the northward, no 
longer assisted by the land breezes, are obliged to stand further 
out to sea, to beat up against their powerful adversaries, and thus 
the passenger loses the beauties we daily enjoyed in this pleasant 
part of our voyage. 
