a Portuguese island in the South Sea, not far distant from the coast of Brazil. It was visited by La Perouse, who ascertained it to lie between $27^\circ 19' 10''$ and $27^\circ 49' N.$ Lat., and its most northerly point to be in $49^\circ 39'$ longitude west from Paris. Its breadth from east to west is only two leagues; and it is separated from the main land by a channel only 200 toises broad. On the point which stretches further into this channel is situated the city of Nostra Senora del Deitero, the capital of the government, and the place of residence of the governor. It contains at most 3000 souls, and about 400 houses. Its appearance is exceedingly pleasant. According to Frezier's account, this island served, in 1712, as a retreat to vagabonds, who made their escape from different parts of the Brazils; who were only nominal subjects of Portugal, and who acknowledged no authority whatever.

The country is so fertile, that they were able to subsist without any succour from the neighbouring colonies; and they were so destitute of money, that they could neither tempt the curiosity of the governor-general of the Brazils, nor inspire him with any desire of subduing them. The ships that touched at the island gave them in exchange for their provisions nothing but clothes and shirts, of which they were in the utmost want. It was not till about 1740 that the court of Lisbon established a regular government in the island of St Catherine, and the parts of the continent adjacent. This government extends sixty leagues north and south from the river San Francisco to Rio Grande; its population being about 20,000 souls; but there are so great a number of children in the different families, that probably it will soon be much more considerable. The soil is exceedingly fertile, and produces all sorts of fruit, vegetables, and corn, almost spontaneously. It is covered with trees of everlasting green; but they are so interwoven with briars and creeping plants, that it is impossible to get through the forests otherwise than by opening a path with a hatchet. Danger is besides to be apprehended from snakes, whose bite is mortal. The habitations, both on the island and continent, are all close to the sea-side. The woods that surround them are delightfully fragrant, owing to the great number of orange trees and other odoriferous trees and shrubs that they contain. But, notwithstanding all these advantages, the country is very poor, and totally destitute of manufactured commodities, so that the peasants are almost naked, or else covered with rags. Their soil, which is very fit for the cultivation of sugar, remains unproductive for the want of slaves, whom they are not rich enough to purchase. The whale fishery is very successful; but it is the property of the crown, and is farmed by a company at Lisbon, which has three considerable establishments upon the coast. Every year they kill about 400 whales; the produce of which, as well oil as spermaceti, is sent to Lisbon by the way of Rio Janeiro. The inhabitants are idle spectators of this fishery, from which they derive not the smallest advantage. La Perouse gives a very amiable picture, however, of their hospitality to strangers.