Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub
[graphic][merged small][subsumed][ocr errors]

OR

iry

[blocks in formation]

of the assistance of art. A neat house, built on the water's edge, with very convenient baths, without avenues or gardens, but shaded by a few fruit trees, constitutes the dwelling of the most opulent citizens; to which description M. de la Perouse adds, that this would be one of the most delightful spots in the world to live in, if a more moderate government, and fewer prejudices, would secure the civil liberty of every inhabitant.

After passing the Bashees, captain Wilson, on the 20th of November, got into soundings and passed several Chinese fishing boats, and on the following day, came to anchor in Macao roads. On the 9th of December, he obtained permission to go up the river, and on the 2d of January, 1798, he returned to Macao, with a cargo of tea on board. The devo tion of the crew of the Duff, induced the English sailors to call her The Ten Commandments.

On the 16th, the Duff came to anchor in Malucca road, and having obtained a supply of water and provision, sailed again on the 20th. Near Prince of Wales island, the Duff seperated from the Bombay ships, and passing the Maldives, steered direct to the cape of Good Hope.

The Maldives are a cluster of interesting small islands, more than 1300 in number. They form as it were an oblong inclosure of small low regular isles, around a clear space of sea, with very little shallow water between each. They are governed by a chief, called Atoll, and the trade is in cowrie shells, with cocoa-nuts, and fish. The inhabitants are mild and gentle, their language is Singalese, and there are some Mahometans.

On the 17th of March, the Duff anchored in Table bay, on the 1st of April, sailed for England, and on the 11th of July came to anchor in the river Thames. Thus the Duff had run about 46,000 miles in nineteen months, fifteen of them at sea, without the crew experiencing any sickness.

[graphic][merged small][merged small]
« ForrigeFortsæt »