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Chap. IV.

As soon as the canoes were moored, Teutopeia, Nicophera, and myself (the three chiefs of the page 118first order), went up to the town in our small canoes. It lay about a league higher up the river, and the country on each side exhibited a very agreeable prosfpect, of green hills covered with flocks of sheep, and herds of black cattle: I even thought there appeared horses, and animals like camels or dromaderys. When we approached the town, I was delighted to see that the houses were built of stone, and were several stories high, and began to think myself again in Europe. We were met at our landing by the merchants, with whom the nation had been accustomed to deal; who received us with great civility and respect, entertaining us by turns at their houses, and gave us also invitations to lye at them, as we could not otherwise be so well accommodated.

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The merchant with whom I lived was called Ouragow; he seemed about forty, and a man of a grave, though sweet and affable deportment. He understood the Olfactarian language well enough to do business in it, and carry on a conversation. Curiosity soon drew me to view the town: it was but of a small size, consisting only of about two hundred houses; fifty of which were large, and had still larger warehouses adjoining to them. But what most surprised me, was, to find the houses of these merchants, furnished with every thing necessary for the conveniency, and even the elegancy of life; it was, it is true, in a simple plain taste, and very different from what I had ever seen before; but answered the end as page 120well when one became accustomed to them. They had also woollen, linen, and other cloths; and even silk stuffs: very good wines were produced at table, as well as excellent bread; and their windows were glazed. These discoveries gave me infinite pleasure; I flattered myself that my troubles were at an end; and if I should never have the happiness of visiting Old England, my life would at least be passed in a more agreeable manner, than my most sanguine hopes had ever conceived.

Having rested and amused ourselves for a day or two, we thought of business; and that which first offered, was, to get our goods lodged in a warehouse, to be ready for bartering. This was immediately set about, and page 121the small canoes were kept constantly employed in it till all was landed After that, the chiefs of the second order came up to town also, with some of the men, leaving only the chief of the third order, with three men, on board of each canoe; and these were relieved every six or seven days, that all might have a little pleasure; the second chief's relieving the third.

When we had been there five or six days, Ouragow and I happening to be alone together, he bethought himself of asking me (what he said he had intended ever since we came); from what country I claimed my birth; for he could plainly see from my complexion, my features, and manners, that I was not an Olfactarian; besides, said he, you have been page 122too wise to disfigure your face with horrid tattooings, and to load your nose and ears with such frightful ornaments. Having no reason to conceal any thing, I gave him a faithful account of all my adventures, and even of my design of never returning to Olfactaria: saying, Now I had got into a civilised country, things might take a turn in my favour; and I hoped to find some means of earning an honest living. When I had finished my narration, he sat sometime silent; and then cried out, What wonders have you told me! How surprising is it to me, who am of a trading nation, to learn, that there are people on the other side the globe, who have carried navigation to such a height, as to send ships all over the face of the page 123earth, where seas will bear them, and ice not obstruct their passage; to discover new countries and new people! But, said he, is it meerly curiosity that prompts your king to these expensive researches? or has he trade or conquest in view? replied, That trade or conquest at such an immense distance from his own dominions could never answer the expence of either; and did he reckon it for nothing to a great, opulent, and philosophic nation, to have the honour of ascertaining to the rest of the northern world, whether the southern hemisphere was equally balanced by a large continent, as the learnedest Geographers had conjectured. That near three hundred years ago, a great geographer and navigator, meerly from page 124conjectures, had discovered a continent almost as large as the rest of the known world, lying only at a thousand leagues distance from the rest of Europe. Upon a second consideration, rejoined he, it appears praise-worthy, though at first view it had, I own, a romantic air: But what success had you met with before you was separated from the ship? We had sailed (returned I) half round the southern hemisphere in very high latitudes, without meeting with any land, but had been obstructed by numerous and large islands of ice, which made us conclude, that if there was a continent, it must be so near the pole, as to be uninhabitable. I am surprised, said he, that you missed it; but if your ships, after a farther search, are not so fortunate page 125to succeed, it may be reserved for you to make that discovery, if ever you have the happiness to get home to your own country; for you are now in a fair way of getting intelligence of, and in all probability of seeing it. You both surprise and rejoice me, said I, to hear there is a southern continent which there is a possibility of my seeing; and likewise that I am got into a country which has an extensive trade, as it is in that way my talents can best distinguish themselves. But what is the reason, continued I, that I saw no ships in the river? You have misunderstood me, answered he; I am of a trading nation, 'tis true, but not of this where I now live. The inhabitants of Serepante are all natives of the island of Bonhommica, settled page 126on this coast as a factory, for the conveniency of commerce with the natives. And who are the natives, rejoined I? This large country, said he, being peculiarly suited for pasture only, is occupied by wandering tribes, who live in tents, and change from one place to another, as it best suits their flocks and herds; no one having the property of the soil, but the first comer enjoys it during his abode. And the country being very extensive in proportion to the number of its inhabitants, there seldom arises any cause of dispute on that head. They are a handsome, robust people, continued he; and some of them have immense flocks and herds, with children and servants so numerous, that their encampments look like small towns. But they are so idle, page 127that, though they have time enough on their hands, they will not be at the trouble of manufacturing their own wool for their clothing, or doing any earthly thing but what necessity obliges them to. So that all their wool, and other produce of their cattle, is exchanged with us, for our manufactures; which are brought annually in a small fleet to this port; where a fair is kept for a month, and resorted to from all parts of the country. Those who have not supplied themselves sufficiently at the fair, have recourse to us from time to time; there being always great quantities of goods in our warehouses. Our conversation now turning on the causes of industry and idleness in nations, he observed, that the gift with which page 128bounteous Nature had favoured the Olfactarians, in the improved faculty of smelling (which he had learned only from my narrative), seemed to be of great use to them in providing for their subsistence. But, on the contrary, continued he, a gift of a similar kind which the Auditantines enjoy in their sense of hearing, had a very different effect. For they had such exquisite enjoyment in Musical performances, and the hearing of love elegies, and other pieces of well wrote poetry read, that their whole time was spent in such fooleries. These improved faculties have however their alloy; for as the Olfactarians are easily offended with the least unpleasing smell, so the Auditantines suffer excruciating anguish from any very loud or harsh found: page 129It is happy for them (continued he) that it never thunders in this country; and the most disagreeable thing their way of life subjects them to, is the bray of an ass; but they take care to keep them always at a sufficient distance from their tents. The smallest matter however hurts their nice ears, such as an instrument not thoroughly in tune, or playing out of time; and the same of a voice with respect to the latter. This long conversation was concluded, by an offer from him of getting me a passage to Bonhommica if I chose it, when the fleet returned from this country after the Fair; and likewise to recommend me warmly to all his friends in that country. This kind offer I gratefully accepted, and begged he would put me in a way of learning the page 130language in the mean time, that I might not be wholly at a loss in that respect. This he immediately complied with, and put me under the tuition of one of the book-keepers in his compting-house; saying at the same time, that he could also instruct me in the Auditantine, which would qualify me to visit that people, who were very hospitable, if my curiosity led me to it, and for which I should have sufficient time. This proposal was much to my mind, and I immediately applied myself with great industry to acquire those languages.

In the mean time, nothing was neglected on my part to assist my colleagues in transacting the business of the Olfactarians; and in every particular I had the satisfaction to find our merchants acted like honest men page 131and fair traders. Far were they from designing to take any advantage of my ignorance, or that of the savages, in the value of the goods to be exchanged. This was what at least then appeared to me, and I had reason afterwards to be convinced of the truth of it. As our goods were neither bulky, nor consisted of many articles, which were to be exchanged betwixt the merchants and us, matters were not long in adjusting; and our wool, leather, &c. were begun to be put on board the canoes.

In all these transactions, I took particular care that Seropa, the second in command on board mine, should be present, and thoroughly instructed in them; as he was probably to have the command of her home, it was his proper business to superintend the relading.

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The reader will naturally imagine, that I did not long neglect viewing a country, which gave me so much pleasure in the approaching. In company with some of the merchants or brother savages, I frequently walked, or rode out, many miles into different parts of it. Every thing appeared gay and smiling to me, who had been so long unaccustomed to such prospects. The height of the hills varied in different parts; in some they rose nearly to mountains, and in others descended almost to a flat country: but all were covered with a pleasing verdure. I saw no woods, but there were every where many clumps of trees, scattered about in an irregular manner; and abundance of small rivulets of the purest water, which was not only an ornament page 133to the country, but of the greatest use to man and beast. The sheep which fed on those delighful hills' were of the same species with these I had seen at the Cape of Good Hope, with large heavy tails, and were innumerable. The horses were beautiful, and resembled in their shape, the Arabians and Barbs which I had often seen in Yorkshire. Black cattle were of two kinds, some resembling ours in Europe, and others of the buffalo species. I had never seen camels or dromedaries before, except in painting. Their asses were large, and the Mules still more so. We often went to their encampments, and when the merchants were with us, visited the natives. Every place resounded with the pleasing melody of musical instruments and harmo-page 134nious voices ^*. Some of these encampments, as was said before, covered a great deal of ground; and contained some hundreds of people, besides horses, camels, &c. which were fed with cut grass. Behind the tents stood covered waggons, in which they transported their women, and the furniture of their tents, when they changed their stations. A peaceful camp, breathing nothing but harmony, was to me a sight perfectly new and engaging.

The Auditantines are generally tall, not very fair, but of a graceful appearance and very polite: Their dress is something betwixt the Asiatic and page 135European; very easy and becoming; made of woollen, cotton, or silk stuffs; according to the age, sex and rank of the wearers On the whole, I did not seem to be amongst wandering shepherds, but in the court of one of the Patriarchs we read of in Scripture, where they were king, priest, and prophet. 1 conceived so great a desire to be better acquainted with these people, that I was unhappy till I had learned their language, This I had often declared to Ouragow and the other merchants, at the same time acquainting them of my passion for music, and being an indifferent performer on the German Flute. One day when we were at Venerantes Horde (as I may call it), Our gow presented me to him in a particular manner; letting him know my great admiration of their way of life, as page 136Well as being a passionate lover of music, and a tolerable performer on the German Flute; not forgetting to acquaint him of my coming from a far country on the other side of the world. The venerable old man received me with great affability and politeness; and gave me an invitation to come and stay some time with him. This I firmly resolved to accept of, as soon as the canoes were gone, and I had made myself proficient enough in their language to be understood.

When we had been above eight weeks at Seripante, and the canoes ready to sail, I spoke to my colleagues Teutopeia and Nicophora in this manner:

"My friends, I do not intend returning with you to Olfactaria; and page 137honestly own, that I solicited this voyage with that design. When your nation, did me the honour of adopting me, I never meant to abridge myself of the liberty which nature gave me, of changing my situation, whenever it was agreeable or convenient for me. While I have been in your society, my utmost endeavours have been used to serve it; and sometimes with such success, that the nation raised me, step by step, to its chief honours and distinctions. This I own was more than I deserved, a stranger as I was; but these honours with which they were pleased unanimously to dignify me in so rapid a manner, created much envy, and laid the foundation for the rancorous hatred which many bear me; without having cause that page 138I know for it, but their own bad hearts. Those enemies of mine, it is plain, will never rest, till they have got me degraded from my present high station in the state, and which they may easily effect; since I can no longer serve them with such eclat as formerly, from having expended all my ammunition in their service. I therefore propose to free myself from their machinations, by resigning into your hands these so much envied honours, which I desire you will faithfully deliver (as near as you can in my own words), to the national council; returning them my most unfeigned thanks for all their favours." When I had finished, my colleagues expressed great concern for my intention of leaving them; but owned, that every thing page 139I had said was true; and wished me happy wherever fortune should carry me. I then asked them, If they thought any other of the chiefs of the second order, fitter to succeed me in the command of the canoe than Seropa, whose right it seemed to be; and they answering in the negative, Seropa was sent for, and acquainted with it. After this, I demanded of them, in presence of some of the merchants and all of the chiefs, If they had any fault to find with my transactions or behaviour, since we left Olsactaria; which they declaring they had not: I embraced them, and took a laft farewel; desiring their kind remembrance, and that of all my friends, but particularly that they would make my grateful respects and good wishes known to my benefactor Uncomia.

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When the canoes were gone, my friend Ouragow made me a present of a compleat dress in the Bonhommican mode; saying, as I was no longer a savage, it was proper to leave off the appearance of one. The goodness of this worthy man truly charmed me, and I felt all the gratitude such benefits demanded. It is not to be imagined, but that two people living in the same house together for some months (as Ouragow and I did), must have had many conversations, which for brevity's sake shall be omitted; and I shall only mention in general, some informations I got from him, and opinions of his upon subjects relating to my own country.

With respect to the great southern continent, he assured me there cer-page 141tainly was one; and that the Bonhommicans carried on a considerable trade to one of its kingdoms; but that he never had been there, nor could he tell me in what longitude and latitude it lay.

He also informed me, that the Auditantines were idolaters, and sacrificed to idols.

He did not explain himself sufficiently on the Bonhommican religion, as he said I would learn it better from the priests when I went to that Island; but only assured me, that the principal tenet of it was the unity of the deity.

His opinion of the christian religion was a very favourable one, though I could not make him comprehend many parts of it; he wished to see our sacred books, that he might page 142examine it; for, he said, a religion which recommended so pure a morality, must have a divine origin.

Two things (with respect to our naval discoveries) seemed to give him the greatest satisfaction to be informed of, as they might be immediately useful to his own countrymen; these were, the method of preventing the scurvy in long voyages, and the art of distilling seawater to make it fresh. These, he said, were discoveries that did honour to human nature; the truth of which he could not doubt, from the length of the voyages performed by the discoverers.

I had now made a considerable progress in the two languages, which for some time had taken up my attention, particularly in the Auditantine, as page 143I had most immediate occasion for it; but as the natives had such nice ears, I was very diffident in speaking it before them. That I might improve myself, and at the same time observe what effect my pronunciation had upon their nice organs, I used to walk in the fields, and speak to all the menial shepherds, and others of low rank. At first they were very sensibly hurt; but being extremely good-natured people, they endeavoured to conceal it: by degrees, as I improved, they seemed less so; and, in a short time, little, if any thing at all.

Before I set out on my visit, Ouragow cautioned me against falling in love; Take care of your heart, said he, in the company of so many charmers; and constantly recollect when you find yourself in danger, page 144that these women are idolaters; not forgetting the great southern continent.

My new dress had altered me so much, that Venerante did not at first know me; but, as soon as he learned who I was, received me with great kindness and hospitality. The whole horde indeed did the same; which then consisted of above one hundred persons, of both sexes and of all ages (exclusive of servants and slaves ). Besides, there were near as many in small camps on the skirts of the ground, which their flocks and herds at present occupied. These were mostly descended from his own person; for polygamy is allowed of by them, and they marry in degrees of kindred, which are forbidden amongst christians. I was told by page 145one of his sons, that he had sixty thousand sheep, five thousand black cattle, three thousand horses, two thousand camels, one thousand she asses, and fifty he ones, and one thousand mules; so that he was by far richer than Job, who was the richest man in all the east in those days.

We passed our time in a continual round of what is called pleasures; so that if idleness and constant dissipation constitute happiness, these are the happiest of any people in the world. The large encampment which I only saw, was of an oval form; in the center of which, was a suite of very large tents at some distance from one another, lined with cotton cloth; and around them were small ones for sleeping in, dressing, and other page 146offices. When we were not at meals; parties were formed in these large tents according to people's fancies. Some read love elegies to an audience round them, or sung tender songs; others had concerts of music which were truly ravishing. Tender and amorous conversation suited the lovers best. And dancing to the lively airs of the pipe and tabor, was most agreeable to the gay and lively.

Their language is the softest that can be imagined, and in the women's mouths, truly enchanting; especially when set to music, which it is peculiarly calculated for. That music is simple and pathetic; they like better what affects the heart, than pleases the fancy. The instruments which they have, are of the simplest kind; besides the pipe and tabor page 147already mentioned, harps, lutes, and flutes, compose the whole of their stock. Though the whole people have the most critical ears, every one has not a voice; that gift however is much more common here, than elsewhere: for there is scarcely a young woman or boy but has, and many of them are superlatively fine.

Their tables are plentifully supplied with the produce of their flocks and herds, in all the simplicity of cookery. Milk furnishes them with several agreeable dishes, besides butter and cheese; and I must observe, that, like the Tartars, they prefer horse flesh to beef: I tasted it, and fairly own, could scarcely distinguish the difference. The only things for subsistance which they are obliged to get from the Bonhommicans, are page 148corn and wine; the first they grind in quearns (as they do still in many parts of Ireland), and then make it into bread; the last is only used on extraordinary occasions, as a fermented liquor made of mare's milk, and a kind of mead, are their ordinary drinks.

They have images of two different gods of very rude sculpture, to which they offer sacrifices. These idols have some resemblance to the Apollo and Pan of the antients, at least the one had a lyre and the other a pipe, on which they were in the attitude of playing. The government is intirely parental or patriarchal within each particular Horde, without having the least connection with any other.

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They have had writing long amongst them, and their, characters seemed to me somewhat to resemble the Hebrew or Arabic. If the learned should fancy from thence, that this people are a colony from that part of the world, I shall leave it to them to form conjectures, how they could possibly be transported to such a distance.

I was for some days a hearer, and great admirer at all musical entertainments; but when we became a little better acquainted, I found they had not forgot what Ouragow had said of me, and had conceived great expectations of entertainment, from music of so distant a country. At first I defended myself from their requests, by the want of an instrument, but that would not serve, I page 150I must make shift with theirs in some shape or another. Finding there was no avoiding it; I got one of their flutes of a construction nearest to a german one of any they had; and botched it up, by opening some holes and stopping up others, till at last I made a tolerable instrument of it.

As the Italian music is most admired in Europe, I began with some favourite airs, which were in great vogue when I left England.

The whole company were much surprised at hearing them; and owned they did not expect any thing comparable to what I had played; but, said they, though these seem the style of great masters, the simple and pathetic is more to our tastes; perhaps from not knowing better. It fortunately happened that I had page 151it in my power, besides Italian, to give them some specimens of the music of other nations in our northern world. The French was too gay; the English (except when grafted on the Italian) wanted melody; but most of the plaintive Scotch songs' and some of the Irish, were much to their tastes, and affeccted them wonderfully.

As I was no great proficient on my instrument, it was sometimes visible enough, that their chromatic ears were much offended by my discords, and playing out of tune; but their politeness, joined to their curiosity, made them hide it as much as possible. This talent of mine, contemptible as it was, made me a kind of favourite amongst them; they esteemed many of my songs so much, as to page 152write them out in their manner; which, though very different from ours, was very ingenious.

I had now spent ten days with these people, and their way of life was such a contrast to what it had lately been my fortune to lead, that it could not but be agreeable to a man of my age, who was a lover of music. However my friend Ouragow's antidotes had not yet been necessary; my heart remained untouched. The time now approached when I was to give up my liberty, and burn with the most ardent passion.

A grand-daughter of Venerante returned with her parents from an out camp, and at first sight shot me through and through. She appeared to be about fifteen, and (at least in page 153my eyes) the most perfect woman heaven ever made. Her form rising a little above the middle size, was made in perfect proportion; and a grace and dignity attended every motion of her most elegant limbs. But her face; how shall I describe her face? to the most regular and beautiful features, were joined such modesty and sweetness, that it was irresistible. Add to all these, the most enchanting voice, far surpassing any thing I had ever heard; and Judge of my condition. For some days I admired at a distance, without presuming to have the least hope of pleasing such an angelic creature. But Venerante having been pleased with my European songs, desired one day to hear my adventures; and as he doated on Imoina (so the page 154charming maid was called), could not bear she should be long from him; she was therefore obliged to become one of my constant hearers. The satisfaction of having her near me, and to hear my disasters, was great; and sometimes I thought she pitied them like Desdemona in the play. I spun out my narrative to continue that satisfaction, and by degrees she became less reserved; but though I was never happy when from her, a certain awe seized me whenever I attempted to disclose my passion.

My antidotes, besides, were not forgot; and I thus argued with myself. Would you then to satisfy a present passion, however violent, give up all thoughts of seeing your native country? and the great honour of dif-page 155covering to all Europe a southern continent, which would make your name immortal? To live with idolaters a life of idleness and dissipation, having no care but for the present moment: Where polygamy is allowed, and the women (at their full liberty), indulging themselves freely in amorous conversation, probably are not very scrupulous in violating their marriage vows. On the other hand, to give up all thoughts of Imoina, and let her be possessed by another, was what I could not think of. This struggle continued for some time; I grew thoughtful, and absent, to such a degree that every one took notice of it. Some said, I was in love; others, that their company was grown tiresome to me; but Imoina was very reserved on that head. At page 156other times I considered, that if my scruples should give way to love, and Imoina was favourable to my wishes; what probability was there, that Trapante her father, or Venerante her grandfather, would ever consent to my having her; a stranger, of a different religion, and poor. Thus did love and reason combat in my breast; and to my shame I say it, reason made but a bad defence. The first sign of victory which appeared on the side of love, was a copy of verses of my composing; I got a friend to set them to music; and though they were probably very indifferent, every body applauded them; being willing I suppose to encourage a beginner. And though it was now plain where my attachment was, no one seemed dif-page 157pleased with it, even Imoina was not more shy than usual. This encouraged me to speak: I soon met with a favourable opportunity, and my addresses were well received, considering the modesty of the sex. The ice being now broke, I had as many opportunities of pleading my passion as could be desired; and soon had the pleasure of being told, that I was not disagreeable to her. She now indulged me in all the innocent liberties I presumed to take; which made the time pass away in a kind of intoxication, which nothing but enjoyment, or the discovery I afterwards made, could have put an end to.

While my thoughts were employed on completing my happiness, by endeavouring to obtain the consent of page 158those on whom she depended, but delayed from day to day, from a consciousness that I was acting wrong, and the fear of a refusal; something appeared to me to be going on betwixt her, and her brother-in-law Amarante, which seemed very suspicious. My jealousy was roused, and I watched all their motions narrowly; several days passed on, before my doubts were cleared up: at last, one evening they slipped out, one after another, from one of the great tents, in the midst of a very interesting piece of music: I immediately followed, and traced them into a bed-tent. This was sufficient for me, Cupid immediately took his flight from my bosom; and when I saw her return to the tent, she seemed despoiled of more than half page 159her charms, and not more beautiful than any other woman. I passed, however, a very disagreeable night, and resolved to quit her fight for ever. Next morning I took, leave of Venerante and his Horde, who all pressed me to stay sometime longer; but I excused myself on account of business at Seripante, and immediately set out for that place.

When I had given my friend Ouragow a candid relation of my amour, he congratulated me very affectionately on my escape; and said, Young man, let this piece of experience, which was so near being fatal, teach you for the future, that the best way to avert the dangers of that powerful passion, is to keep out of temptation; or if unexpectedly surprised into it, to fly immediately.

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The fleet from Bonhommica being now soon expected, I applied very close to perfecting myself in that language; speaking in no other, and reading several books concerning their history, government, manners, &c. &c. which was of great advantage to me when I arrived in that country. But notwithstanding my time was pretty well filled up, the image of the beautiful Imoina would often intrude into my fancy; then would I regret that such external perfection was not accompanied with as beautiful a mind. My thoughts would then be led to consider, the influence of education and example upon the female manners; and my partiality for her induced me to think, that if she had been born an English woman, and of course bred page 161up a christian, that she would have acted in a very different manner. But again reflecting on some bad characters I had known, and many that common report had held up to infamy amongst my fair country-women; I knew not what to think; but resolved to banish her if possible from my thoughts.

This was much assisted in a little time by the arrival of the fleet, and the Fair held in consequence of it. My curiosity first led me to examine the construction of their ships; which though far inferior to ours both in beauty of form, and neatness of workmanship, yet very much surprised me; as they promised to answer the purposes of navigation very well; and I conceived that the page 162art of ship-building might be now in that state at Bonhommica, which it was in, in England, two centuries ago The burthens of those now in Seripante river, seemed to be from three hundred to one hundred and fifty tons.

They had no ships of war with them as a convoy, the nation being at peace with all the world. The number of them were twenty, and their loading may easily be judged of, from what has already been said.

Nothing worth relating happened at the fair; it was held near the town, and the Auditantines came to it on horse-back, attended by covered waggons, in which was conveyed their cheese, salt butter and hides, &c. The wool was brought on camels. Some horses and mules page 163were also sold by them at the Fair. No women attended them, so that there were no amusements going on, as is customary in England on these occasions; which I was very glad of.

When the Fair was over, preparations were made by the fleet for their return; and my good friend procured me a passage in the ship commanded by Tourabow, an honest plain sailor, with whom I was very well acquainted He also gave me very warm recommendatory letters to several of his friends. When every thing was ready for sailing, he took leave of me, as if I had been his only son, expressing his ardent wishes for my welfare; and desiring I would favour him from time to time with accounts of what happened to me. I parted with that worthy man, with page 164tears in my eyes, being much moved with the many testimonies he had given me of his affection.

We sailed from Seripante with a fair wind, and during the voyage, I was very well amused with observing their different manœuvres. They had discovered the use of the magnet in navigation, and had clumsy mariners compasses; but were absolute strangers to the variation of the needle. Their Quadrant was also very defective, as was their log-line, for keeping an account of the ship's way; and they had no other means of guessing at the longitude. However, on the whole, they were careful, robust, and active seamen.

Our voyage was agreeable, having fine weather, but rather too little wind. The eighteenth day, we made page 165the land of Bonhommica; the 19th, entered the river Tourorow; and the 21st, came to an anchor at Ludorow, the capital of the kingdom, being the 15th of January 1775.