rose out of the blue
waters before them. On the left, appeared the conical-shaped height,
since known as the Sugar Loaf. Further on, on the same side, the Three
Brothers reared their heads to the skies, and still more to the south
was seen the Corcovada and Gavia, the green mountains of the Three
Brothers strongly contrasting with the latter-named peaks, while the
distant ranges of the Blue Mountains rose in the interior. On the right
was seen another range of varied-shaped heights, extending far away to
the north. Passing beneath the lofty Sugar Loaf, the flotilla sailed
through the entrance, when the magnificent land-locked expanse opened
out before them, surrounded on all sides by hills and lofty mountains;
while lovely little verdant and palm-clad islands appeared dotting the
dark bosom of the water. Words, indeed, fail to describe the beautiful
and varied scenery. The anchors were dropped close to one of the first
isles they reached. On this spot Villegagnon told the eager crowd who
surrounded him that he had determined to form the first settlement of
the new colony. Here, at the entrance of the harbour, and surrounded by
water, they might defy the attacks of enemies from without, or the
Portuguese or natives who might venture to dispute their possession of
the country. From this they might extend to others on either side, and
then form a settlement on the shore, thus advancing till they had
brought under subjection the whole of the surrounding country.

The settlers expressed their satisfaction at the captain's plan, as they
gazed at the richly coloured woods which covered the sides of the
surrounding hills, at the purple blooming quaresma, the snake-like
cacti, and the gorgeous flowering parasites hanging down even from the
jagged and precipitous sides of the Sugar Loaf, and the rich verdure
starting forth from every nook and crevice of the fantastically shaped
rocks. Scarcely had the anchor been dropped, than the sun set behind
the distant mountains, and, as darkness rapidly followed, they remained
on board during the night.

Next morning, Constance and her father came on deck, where they found
the young lieutenant attending to his duties. Again they gazed with
renewed pleasure at the wild and the sublime outline of the surrounding
mountains with their varied combinations, while the richness and beauty
of colouring thrown over and around the whole, by the purple and rose
colours and ethereal blue of