HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
105 
Author of all good, and advancing our final salvation. We were all of us occupied 
in such delightful meditations, when tfie long-boat was hoisted out to take us on 
shore. As there was a general eagerness to quit the ship, I did not press forward; 
and the boat being full, I remained behind. In the evening the captain returned, and 
gave me an account of the wonders which he had seen; but he chose to indulge 
himself in a strain of exaggeration, which was contradicted by a very early expe¬ 
rience. He spoke of animals and fruits which have never been seen in this island; 
though he brought with him several birds which were fat and well tasted; and I 
made a very agreeable repast on these new and unknown viands. The next day. 
May 1, 1691, I joined my companions on shore. 
<c This island, which is called Diego Rodrigo, or Diego Ruys, or Rodriguez, is 
situate in the nineteenth degree of south latitude, and about twenty leagues in 
circumference. 
TJjeir Establishment in the Island. 
- 1 ' A "" 
6 * We established ourselves to the NNW. of the island, in a fine valley, and near 
a large brook of excellent water: but it was not till we had examined every part, 
that we preferred the spot, of which I shall now give the description. 
“ A small river that rises near the middle of the island, and about four or five 
thousand paces above the scite of our huts, forms, by falling from rock to rock, a 
Succession of cascades, basons, and pieces of water, that would adorn the gardens 
of a prince. In warm and dry seasons it receives but little water from its source; 
but, at all times, the tide keeps it full to the spot where the land begins to rise. This 
side of the river is, in general, less elevated than the other, and is sometimes inun¬ 
dated by the rains that accompany the hurricanes. 
“ Pierre Thomas, one of our pilots, determined to inhabit a small island formed 
by the brook. He accordingly built his hut, made his little garden, and threw a 
couple of bridges over the branches of the stream. During any inundation he 
used to roost in a tree; and always made his situation pleasant to himself, as well 
as agreeable to his companions. He sang, played upon the flute, and was the only 
person among us who smoked tobacco. When his stock was exhausted, he sup¬ 
plied it with the dried leaves of certain trees in the island. The hut nearest to this 
island was that of M. de la Haye. He was, by profession, a goldsmith, and had con¬ 
structed a forge, so that he was obliged to make his house somewhat larger than the rest. 
“ The huts were from ten to fifteen feet square, according to. the fancy of the 
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