130 
SCENES IN TIIE PACIFIC. 
spot, where they find the shore for some distance strewn with 
pearl oysters of the most brilliant and various hues. 
The little fleet lies in this bay several days to repair, and 
take in wood and water. The boats, meantime, are kept 
constantly abroad taking fish. Soles, lobsters, pearl oysters, 
&c., are procured. The quail, wood-pigeon, rabbits, hares, 
deer, lions, tigers, are seen on the hills; various kinds of trees, 
as the pitahaya, fig, lentisk, and a great variety of plum 
shrubs, which, instead of gum, emit a very fragrant odor, 
grow in the valleys. In the vicinity of the anchorage is a 
low tract of ground subject to be inundated by the sea, dur¬ 
ing the prevalence of the southwesterly winds. Its shape is 
such that when the waves retire a large quantity of water is 
left, which evaporates and leaves a deposit of fine white salt. 
The Indians of this region go entirely naked. They are, 
however, extremely fond of ornamenting their hair, and of 
painting their bodies in-black and white stripes. 
Having finished the repairs about the time the moon 
changes, and having by the distribution of goods produced a 
favorable state of feeling among the soldiers, the Captain- 
General, about the first of July, orders the squadron to put 
to sea. But they run only three leagues, when a northwest¬ 
erly wind springs up, which soon increases to such a gale 
that they are compelled to put back into the bay of San 
Barnabe. Three times they stand out, and as often are com¬ 
pelled to return. At last they determine to leave the harco 
longo, which the Capitana has tow r ed, much to the detriment 
of her progress, and on the 5th of July, for the fourth time, 
attempt to gain the open sea. The Almiranta and Capitana 
with great difficulty make some headway against the tem¬ 
pest. But the frigate is obliged to part company, and run in 
under the land. When the gale abates, the commander is 
desirous of uniting with the frigate, and for this purpose lays 
in for the shore. On the 8th they make land under the 
brow of some lofty hills, where they are becalmed. This 
range of highlands they call Sierra del Enfado, or Mount 
