After experiencing for several weeks the reality of this sublime poesy, in doubling the southern promontory, we at length enjoyed a favourable gale; which settling in the regular south-east trade wind soon wafted us to St. Helena, where we passed near three weeks in all the pleasure and variety which this small but cheerful island amply affords. Having fully described it in a former voyage, I have now little to add: eight years had elapsed since my first visit, during which the cultivation of the island was considerably improved, especially in the growth of potatoes. This valuable root now supersedes the yam in the estimation of the islanders, and the numerous vessels that stop there for provisions. Many farmers raise two crops a year, from four to five hundred bushels each; the medium price was now six shillings per bushel. The surface of the island contains about thirty thousand acres; six thousand were then said to be under cultivation. When Lord Valentia visited it twenty years afterwards, the cultivation was increased to between seven and eight thousand acres.

Exclusive of the tutelary saint from whence St. Helena derives its name, the two Grecian goddesses of Crete and Delos unequally divide their sway over the inhabitants of this Atlantic isle, and one of them exerts no small influence over its visitors. The goddess of Chastity, whose votaries in a voluptuous climate are probably not very numerous, gives her name to the loftiest mountain in this romantic region, Diana's Peak being near three thousand feet above the picturesque valley which contains the little metropolis, where the queen of Love and her mischievous boy exert their sway, and wound the hearts of their itinerant votaries,

who forgetting the transient nature of their abode in this Circean retreat, in the course of a few days frequently commence and conclude a union, which is to last for life. To those who have been long accustomed to the antelope eyes, jetty locks, and brunette complexions of Asiatic damsels, the fair and sprightly nymphs of St. Helena appear in twofold charms.

During our short stay at St. Helena, three of these entanglements took place. One triumphantly carried off his bride from her native rocks, to the fashionable circles in England. Another I believe succeeded in the same manner. The third concerned one of my most particular friends returning from another part of the East in the prime of life, and possessed of a noble fortune. Captivated by one of these blooming beauties, an offer of marriage was proposed and accepted: one of the little quarrels not uncommon between lovers, occasioned a procrastination, and the affair not being accommodated so soon as wished for by one of the parties, the vessel weighed anchor, and the gentleman was reluctantly carried on board by his exulting friends, who did not approve of the attachment. I well knew his feelings on this occasion, and sincerely pitied him. Absence, a sea voyage, and an English beauty, in time reconciled him to a life, which, on taking a last view of the retreating mountains of St. Helena, he thought would be insupportable.

The slave that quits his native land,

And bids for aye adieu,

Oft turns to view the barren strand,

And oft his sighs renew.

Though keen the pangs that rend his heart,

His pangs are nought to mine,

Doom'd by hard fate from thee to part,

And every joy resign!

To persons not under the immediate influence of the Cyprian deities, and no otherwise connected with the natives of St. Helena than by an interchange of friendly offices, and the usual weekly account, this island would be a very monotonous residence for any length of time. But during the period of an Indiaman's detention, its novelty and rural scenery amuse the passengers; and the supply of fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, which are sent off every morning to the vessels, refresh the sailors. More cattle and poultry might certainly be reared, and more fruits and vegetables produced, by attention and encouragement; the great increase of ships resorting to this small spot has enhanced the price of every thing, and the scarcity is sensibly felt by vessels that have not previously touched at the Cape. The latter once more belongs to the English, and long may it continue in their possession, because in every point of view its political and commercial advantages are of the greatest importance. The value of St. Helena to the East India Company, especially during a war with Holland, was inestimable; yet it is maintained at a moderate expense, the annual charge of the civil and military establishments and contingencies never exceeding forty thousand pounds.

Properly to estimate the importance of St. Helena, it must be considered as rising in the midst of the ocean, far from all other shores, in the immediate track of the homeward-bound Indiamen. A fair wind for those ships blows constantly throughout the year;

a winged harbinger, called the St. Helena pigeon, announces the mariner's approach long before it is discovered by the telescope. The bay near the town affords safe anchorage, and receives a fine stream of fresh water, with conveniences to fill the empty casks of the vessels. The interior prospects are truly romantic, and want only richer woods and more copious streams, to rival the sublime and beautiful landscape of Switzerland. Bleak and rocky mountains form a stupendous frame to verdant uplands, dotted with neat farms, groves and gardens; intersected by pastoral vallies, animated with flocks and herds; while through some majestic opening appears the azure main, to finish the interesting

view.

A fellow-passenger, with whom I had been intimate many years in India, being then an invalid and unable to bear the busy scenes in St. James's Valley, retired as soon as possible to one of those charming solitudes; from whence he wrote me a pressing invitation, with an attractive description of his retirement in Swan's Valley.

"I WISH very much to see you here, if you could spare me two or three days, before we return on board the General Elliot; an event which I confess I do not anticipate with pleasure; though I never can forget the friendly attentions you have shewn me ever since we embarked. Never have I recovered the effect of those dreadful storms we encountered in doubling the Cape, when for so many weeks confined to my cabin. On arriving here yesterday I found my feelings more resemble those of health than any I have been blessed with during the voyage. My lot, even to myself, does not yet appear to be absolutely decided; I may do

well; I may see my country, my friends, and beloved relations; but, although I own it to be with great concern, yet without horror or anxiety, I believe the chances at least three to two against me, for I know too much of the human frame, and the disorders it is afflicted with, to be materially deceived. My spirits are yet good, and I have no great bodily pain, though a constant heavy one in my right side, and parts adjacent. I continue at times to have a slow dispiriting fever, and violent headach: my appetite is gone, my sleep indifferent, and not refreshing. I will do every thing in my power to combat my disorder; but if the Sovereign Disposer of all has determined that mine shall be a sickness unto death, his will be done!

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My reason for wishing to see you in Swan's Valley, is not wholly from selfish motives. To a mind, like yours, fond of rural amusements, and sublime and tranquil scenery, these hills and vallies would afford real delight. It is true the country boasts neither of rich woods, nor meandering streams; but the inequality of the landscape, dressed in a smiling garb of vivifying green, would please you much; while the elastic freshness of the air would produce a sensible effect on your constitution. I must say we have had very English (which is the most descriptive term I can use) and to a valetudinarian, rough weather; but I found it somewhat congenial to my mental feelings, and was pleased to have my mind invited to solemn musings; which the prospect of an immense ocean, and these vast hills when clothed in storms, naturally inspire. I regret I did not bring Ossian on shore with me; I should here have perused it with double pleasure."