described, and in that they all three agree, viz. in having two eyes joined together under one common membrane without the least distinction or division between them, which circumstance alone seems a sufficient reason for constituting a new genus.
10th. To-day for the first time we dined in Africa, and took leave of Europe for heaven alone knows how long, perhaps for ever; that thought demands a sigh as a tribute due to the memory of friends left behind, and they have it, but two cannot be spared, 'twould give more pain to the sigher than pleasure to those sighed for. 'Tis enough that they are remembered: they would not wish to be too much thought of by one so long to be separated from them, and left alone to the mercy of winds and waves.
12th. At ten to-night came to an anchor in Funchiale Bay, Madeira.
13th–18th. The product boat[1] (as it is called by English sailors) from the officers of health, whose leave must be obtained before any ship's crew can land, came on board about eleven, and we immediately went on shore in the town of Funchiale, the capital of the island, situate in latitude 32° 40′ N. It is so called from the fennel which grows in plenty upon the rocks in its neighbourhood, and is called funcho in Portuguese. Here we immediately went to the house of the English consul, Mr. Cheap, one of the first merchants in the place, where we were received with uncommon marks of civility, he insisting upon our taking possession of his house, and living entirely with him during our stay, which we did, and were by him furnished with every accommodation that we could wish for. Leave was procured by him for us to search the island for whatever natural productions we might find worth noticing; people were also employed to procure for us fish and shells; horses and guides were obtained for Dr. Solander and myself to carry us to any part of the island which we might choose to visit. But our very short stay, which was only five days, made it impossible to go to any distance; so we
- ↑ i.e. the pratique boat.
