We were not in the saddle more than twenty minutes when one of those showers, so sudden in this climate, overtook us, and gave us a complete drenching; we had other showers during the day, but were compensated by the sun hiding himself during the entire ride.  We passed under the shadow of the gigantic peak, and soon reached the summit of the island, which spreads out into a most beautiful and productive plain of some two or three hundred acres.  The soil is a ferruginous clay of the richest description, and covered with the choicest vegetation of wild grapes, Indian corn, the cotton plant, the castor bean, &c., &c.  We stopped a few minutes to examine a manioc manufactory.  Continuing our ride, we passed through a small but dense forest, to a cocoa-nut plantation on the south-west part of the island, where we found the water-melon growing in its choice soil—­sand.  Here we took shelter again from another heavy rain, and got some fine grapes.  Whilst waiting for the shower to pass, I had quite a talk with the Governor on various topics; among others, on the state of the mixed races in the Brazils, &c., &c.  The island, at the season at which we visited it, was a gem of picturesque beauty—­exceedingly broken and diversified with dells and rocks, and small streams, &c., &c.  It was the middle of the rainy season.  The little mountain paths as we returned became small brooks that hummed and purled in their rapid course.  I took occasion to inform his Excellency that my tender was a prize, so that he might be under no apprehension.  Number of convicts 1000.  Whole number of population, 2000.  The Governor expressed himself our very good friend, &c., &c.  Got on board at 5 P.M.

Monday, April 13th.—­Another rainy day.  Showers very heavy, but still we continue our coaling.  Wind from northward and westward, and though light, there is considerable sea on.  The bad weather continued all day, and the night having set in with threatening appearances, I caused everybody to be brought on board from the prize, to guard against the possibility of her being driven on shore, and endangering life.  I had the steam got up, and the chain ready for slipping, and was fearful that I should be obliged to slip; but we held on during the night.  Night very dark, with heavy rain, and much sea on.

Tuesday, April 14th.—­Wind this morning from about W.S.W.; weather still louring.  Our friends came off from the shore again this morning, bringing the fresh provisions ordered for the crew.  Every thing is very dear here.  Meat forty cents per pound; but still my crew has been so long on salt diet that flesh is an anti-scorbutic necessity for them.  I have arranged to sell forty or more tons of coal for a Brazilian schooner there is in the harbour, and had a proposition for purchasing the prize, which I offered to sell as low as 20,000 dollars; but this sum seemed to alarm them, they saying there was not so much money in Fernando de Noronha.  Continued our coaling.