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Show 90 JAMAICA. possible, of making the port of Jaquemel, only sixty miles distant, the next morning. But our hopes were frustrated; for, when the morning came, we found ourselves becalmed near the coast, in front of a high cliff, with white hummocks, but at what longitude we had no means of ascertaining. Here we amused ourselves with observing the motions of the Portuguese Men-of-war-small jelly fishes-which sometimes go by this name, and sometimes by that of "Nautilus." Their bodies are hollow and transparent, of a bright pink or purple, and their feelers, by which the animalcul<e are caught for their sustenance, are composed of many purple cords curiously woven and twined. These cords are poisonous, aud often inflict a sting on those who are bold enough to handle the animal. In the evening (when it was dark) a frLvorable breeze sprung up; and, as we passed by a mysterious hollow in the mountains, a strong tide appeared to rush in upon us from the land. Perceiving ao I believed, some tokens that this was our port (for I had been studying the Coast Pilot for the purpose) I requested the captain to lay to for the night, and the next morning the scene which lay before us was magnificent. The mountains which rose to a great height, were enveloped in clouds; but I thought I clearly perceived a harbor-like opening bet wren them. The bearing of the land was right, according to the book ; and when, for a moment, the clouds broke away, I distinctly saw that remarkable descent of one mountain upon another, in a perpendicular line, which I knew to be a sign of the harbor of Jaquemel. But the Captain, the mate, and my fellow passengers, were JAMAICA. 91 all of a contrary judgment,-so the word was giveu for turning the vessel round ; and we availed ourselves of a fine easterly breeze, in sweeping along to the westward. After a short time, it became evident to all on board that we had lost our port. W c had intended to take mules at Jaqnemel, ride over the mountains to Port au Prince, pay our respects to the President Boyer, and then return to our vessel; but this somewhat boyish design was now disappointed, and nothing remained for us to do, hut to pursue our course to Jamaica. We afterwards found that our matters were ordered much better for us, than we could have arranged the~ for ourselves; for, hall we landed in Hayti, we ~hould have had no time for the accomplishment of some important duties, to which we found ourselves called in Jamaica. A fine breeze was now wafting us along at a noble rate, the weather was bright, the sea of gorgeous blue, and the coast of Hayti, along which we were passing, was formed of a circular line of mountains, clad with forest, and often descending in precipitous white cliff& to the sea. A small island to the South of it covered with verdure, called L'Isle des Vaches seem:d spread l1'k e a carpet upon the waves, and the's e were tossing about in every direction. A few lines of verse may serve as a brief memorial of the. " finest day of our voyage." OAnldd Neptune was d rcsse d m· hI' S br·t ghtest blue, where winter has no rigor, A / 1he easterly breeze was sweeping along with most salubrious vigor· Fonr tthtee wseaav- nymphs n ow c~u l(l sI eep no more upon tI . ' lClr coral beds, cs were tossed m a. thousand forms, with the white foam on their heads. |