PORTER’S JOURNAL, 
189 
of the latter opinion, and was confirmed in it next day, when we 
had changed our position. At night the whole atmosphere was 
illuminated by it; and yet we could perceive neither flames nor 
sparks thrown out by the crater ; and I am induced to believe the 
irruption was of short continuance, as, on the night of the 7th, I 
could perceive no appearance of it, although our distance, I should 
have supposed, would have admitted of our seeing it, had it not 
become extinct. 
The winds now began to freshen from the S.E., and gave us at 
length some hopes of getting from those islands, where we had 
been so long and unexpectedly delayed by calms and currents. 
The Spaniards call them the Enchanted Islands, and probably 
from the great difficulty vessels have found in getting from among 
them. The title seems well applied, and is such a one as I should 
have felt disposed to give them, had they been destitute of a 
name. We have been since the 18th April among them, and the 
greatest part of the time making every effort in our power to get 
clear of them ; and although good fortune in making prizes has 
well rewarded us for the time we have spent, still I think it not 
unlikely we should have been equally successful on the coast of 
Peru, had we been enabled to return there. 
On the 8th, we passed to the northward of Abington Island, 
with a fresh breeze, and all the dull-sailing vessels in tow; but 
before I bid adieu to the Gallapagos, I shall offer a few hints to 
those who may hereafter visit them, either with pursuits similar 
to mine, or in search of whales. 
In the first place, I would recommend to those v r ho may come 
in search of whalers, to make Hood’s Island and Charles’ Island, 
both of which places I would advise them to search carefully for 
vessels and traces of their having been there ; from thence they 
should proceed to Albemarle, looking into both Elizabeth and 
Banks’ Bay ; and, should they find none at either of these places, 
let them proceed to cruize in sight of Rock Rodondo, which lies 
off the north head of Albemarle. Here they will be sure of meet¬ 
ing with whalers, if they are about the Gallapagos; for this is the 
position they always attempt to keep, as whales most abound 
there. They, to be sure, get swept sometimes to the northward 
