a city of Tercera, one of the Azores; the capital, not only of that island, but of all the rest, and the residence of the governor. It is seated on the south side, near the middle of the longest diameter of the island, on the edge of the sea. The harbour is the only tolerable one in the whole island, being equally secured against storms and the efforts of an enemy. It is of the form of a crescent; the extremities of which are defended by two high rocks, that run so far into the sea as to render the entrance narrow, and easily covered by the batteries on each side. From this harbour the town is said to derive its name, the word *Angra* signifying a creek, bay, or station for shipping; and this is the only convenient one among all the Azores. The opening of the port is from the east to the south-west; and, according to Frezier, it is not above four cables-length in breadth, and not two of good bottom. Here ships may ride in great safety during the summer; but as soon as the winter begins, the storms are so furious, that the only safety for shipping is the putting to sea with all possible expedition. Happily, however, these storms are preceded by infallible signs, with which experience has made the inhabitants perfectly well acquainted. On these occasions the Pico, a high mountain in another of the Azores, is overcast with thick clouds, and grows exceedingly dark; but what they look upon as the most certain sign, is the fluttering and chirping of flocks of birds round the city for some days before the storm begins.

The town is well built and populous, is the see of a bishop, under the jurisdiction of the archbishop of Lisbon. It hath five parishes, a cathedral, four monasteries, as many nunneries, besides an inquisition and bishop's court, which extends its jurisdiction over all the Azores, Flores, and Corvo. It is surrounded by a good wall, a dry ditch of great depth and breadth, and defended by a strong castle, rendered famous by the imprisonment of king Alphonso by his brother Peter in 1668. Though most of the public and private buildings have a good appearance externally, they are but indifferently furnished within; but for this poverty the Portuguese excuse themselves, by saying, that too much furniture would prove inconvenient in so warm a climate.

At Angra are kept the royal magazines for anchors, cables, sails, and other stores for the royal navy, or occasionally for merchantmen in great distresses. All maritime affairs are under the inspection of an officer called *Desembarrador*, who hath subordinate officers and pilots for conducting ships into the harbour, or to proper watering-places. The English, French, and Dutch, have each a consul residing here, though the commerce of any of these nations with the Azores is very considerable.