At day-break on the 16th we observed the

islands at the mouth of the harbour of Rio. is very

The sea breeze at this time of the year irregular in its arrival on the coast, and we lay becalmed during the greater part of the day. In the afternoon a light breeze wafted us slowly towards the harbour's mouth, and gave us ample opportunity for enjoying the magnificent scenery which presented itself. Mountains of steep and sudden declivity rose abruptly from the sea on every hand, their lofty summits terminating in peaks and ridges covered entirely with one dark mass of verdure. To a stranger, whose eye is familiar with the coast scenery of England, that of South America is peculiarly striking. The scale of Nature is totally different. He is lost in admiration at the lofty grandeur of the mountains, which in some places presenting abrupt high precipices, in others gradually subside into luxuriant valleys and fertile glens, rich in all the stores of vegetation and glowing with the beauty of eternal spring. Sequestered dells are alternately succeeded by extensive plains assuming every varied form, and the Corcovado mountain rears its lofty summit in proud pre

eminence over the heights in the vicinity of Rio Janeiro. In going into the harbour a remarkable hill presents itself on the left, which, from the resemblance it bears to a sugarloaf, has received that appellation. It rises abruptly from the water to the height of one thousand and fifty feet. The entrance to the harbour is narrow, being guarded on the right by a strong fort called Santa Cruz, where an officer and party of men are stationed. It is the duty of these persons to hail every ship that passes, and a boat generally comes from it to ascertain what ship is entering the harbour. Immediately within the entrance of the harbour the shores on either side recede from each other to a considerable distance, leaving an extensive basin, which is generally considered one of the most magnificent harbours in the world.

Cheerful and animating as is the whole scenery which presents itself on entering the harbour, not only from the bounties of Nature, but the numerous vessels which are sailing about and at anchor, I felt some disappointment in beholding it. Some years ago I had visited this celebrated port, when my heart was light and life was in its spring. Well do

I remember how delighted I was then with the glorious scenery of Rio Janeiro; and I had fondly anticipated a renewal of such feelings. But my young fancy, then so vigorous, was now sear and in its yellow leaf; imagination drooped her pinion; and I wanted that enthusiasm and high tone of feeling which is the accompaniment of youth. At first I satisfied myself with the belief that it was in the height of summer, when Nature wore her most resplendent robe, that I had contemplated the beauties of Rio with the fond attentive gaze of youth, and I persuaded myself that this was the winter. But alas, all around was as glorious as ever the change was in myself; it was my own infirmity, and life's evening shades, which had induced a solemnity of thought, and deprived of its charm the scene that had once imparted the feelings of joy. I shall never forget the impression it made on my mind; it was the first time that I had known such a feeling.

"Still at our lot it were vain to repine;

Youth cannot return, nor the days of lang syne." We dropped anchor in the harbour at six in the evening, and soon learned that the vessel

which we had met outside answered to the description of a well known pirate that had attacked some of our vessels on the coast. On one occasion her captain boarded a ship, and having bound the master of her, threatened to blow out his brains if he did not deliver up all his money, at the same time that his men were plundering his vessel. The master in this condition begged hard that his watch might be spared, as it was his mother's gift. Fool," said the ruffian," I thought you were old enough to have forgotten your mother-what will your mother's gift avail you if you lose your life, which you will forfeit by your obstinacy?" This privateer mounted twelve guns, and all her crew spoke English.

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CHAPTER II.

Some account of Rio Janeiro.

THE city of Rio Janeiro stands on a dry gravelly soil, close to the southern side of a capacious bay. It occupies a space of nearly two miles in length, and about three-fourths of a mile in breadth. A ridge of lofty hills flank the city, and by surrounding the spacious basin which forms the harbour, imparts an air of grandeur to the whole scene, as it appears from the anchorage. On an eminence in the town, and near the harbour, stands a church, which was the first established at Rio, and from which the city obtained the original name of San Sebastian. The circumference of the basin forming the harbour is about thirty miles in extent, and is surrounded by lofty mountains. Among the principal of these is the Corcovado, which translated, signifies "Parrot's-beak." The peak of this mountain is two