Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/87

 1837.] stony bottom left, on which the boat grounded. We were informed that it is generally violent for three or four days at full and change, which corresponded to the time of our visits.

The village contains about twelve huts, with a family of about six in each. There is also a long government building constructed of adobes, in which the tackle of the bongos used for landing cargoes is usually stored; and a cabin for the commandant at its extremity served for parlour, bedroom, kitchen, &c. The only pet birds were fighting cocks perched under the chairs, or probably tethered in the corners. Cockfighting is a complete passion in Spanish America.

This is all that can be hoped for at Libertad.

The rollers which set in on this beach curl and break at times in four or five fathoms, at least a quarter of a mile off. Those within, which are the most dangerous, are caused by the offset or efflux.

The sand beach is composed chiefly of magnetic iron sand, the dried superstratum, about one inch in thickness, caking in flakes free from admixture.

The anchorage is uneasy, and, I should think, unsafe, and should be avoided near the full moon. Sudden rollers come in, which are apt to snap chain cables, unless with a long range.

Poultry, bullocks, &c., are to be obtained, but compared with those of San Salvador or Realejo, the prices are exorbitant. Bullocks can only be embarked in one of their bongos.