[57] Covering—the deck so called because it covers in the ship—cubierta (Spanish).
[58] Montera—a species of hat worn in Spain.
[59] We apprehend the whole of this story to be “moonshine.”
[60] Groups.
[61] Coast of Guinea and Bight of Benin.
[62] From the account in Lediard, it appears that Sir A. Shyrley failed in his object; but he deserves credit for effecting a safe retreat to his ships in the face of a superior force. The expedition under Sir F. Drake was successful. It is curious to notice how the titles of military rank have changed since those days. The troops were commanded by Christopher Carlisle, an experienced officer; under him Captain A. Powel, Sergeant Major; Captain M. Morgan, and Captain J. Sampson, Corporals of the field. (See p. 17, line 26.)
[63] The terminal bud of the areca or cabbage palm, when boiled, makes a delicate dish.
[64] This is a most valuable production: we believe it bears, on the same area, a greater weight of food than any other vegetable. The fruit of the plantain, Musa sapientum, is chiefly eaten cooked. The banana, Musa paradisiaca, is eaten raw. There are many species, almost all excellent.
[65] Succade—preserved citron.
[66] The cocoa nut palm is too well known to need description. All its parts are applied by the natives to innumerable uses. Few visitors to tropical countries but have been refreshed by a draught of cocoa nut water; always preserved cool by the thick husk.