SAINT Catherine, 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° 19' 10" and 27° 49' N. Lat. and its most northerly point to lie in 49° 49' W. Long. from Paris. Its breadth from east to west is only six miles, and it is separated from the main land by a channel only about 200 fathoms broad. On the point stretching farthest into this channel is situated the city of Nostra Senora del Defter, the metropolis of the government, and the place of the governor's residence. It contains about 400 houses, and 3000 inhabitants, and has an exceedingly pleasant appearance. In the year 1712, this island served as a retreat to vagabonds, who effected their escape from different parts of the Brazils, being only nominal subjects of Portugal. Its whole population has been estimated at 20,000. The soil is extremely fertile, producing all sorts of fruit, vegetables, and corn, almost spontaneously. 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, both oil and 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. A very amiable picture, however, is given of their hospitality to strangers, by M. La Perouse.