ry hard nature,
grow in profusion all over the island, and may probably hereafter
become valuable.

The Landers had the good fortune to arrive at the island during the
season of fine weather, but they had not enjoyed much of the sea
breeze, which about noon, sometimes set in from the north west
quarter, The harmattan is said to be experienced here, although it
extends not to the other islands of the gulf. This wind, which passes
over the sands of Africa, would be almost insupportable, were it not
for the sea breezes. While the harmattan lasts, the dryness in the
atmosphere produces an unpleasant feeling, although it is said not to
be injurious to health. The atmosphere is filled with a fine light
sand, which prevents objects from being distinctly seen; the sun
loses its brilliancy, and everything appears parched and suffering
from a want of moisture. The effect of the harmattan after the rainy
season is said to be most beneficial in drying up the vapours with
which the atmosphere is loaded, and it has been observed, that on the
return of this wind at the end of the rainy season, the recovery of
invalids commences. The harmattan has also the effect of drying up
the skin of the natives in a very extraordinary manner. After an
exposure to it, the skin peals off in white scales from their whole
body, which assumes an appearance as if it were covered over with
white dust.

The islands in the gulf of Guinea, with the exception of Fernando Po,
have each a capital town of some consequence, and although they
produce sufficient supplies for ships that visit them, and carry on a
small trade, it is much to be doubted, whether they are not more
indebted for their importance to the slave trade than any other
source. With respect to Prince's Island and St. Thomas, they are
known to be the receptacles for slaves from the coast, from whence
they are re-embarked and conveyed away as opportunities offer; and
the natives of the small island of Anna Bon, appear to be living in
constant fear of the same, from the effects of their former treatment
by the Spaniards.

The natives of Anna Bon, have a tradition that they once belonged to
the Portuguese, and exhibit proofs of their having been formerly
initiated in the ceremonies of the Roman Catholic religion. They are
said to be particularly careful, when any stranger visits their
settlement, to let them see their church, which is appropriately
situated for this purpose immediately opposite