[182] A storm is often judged to be severe in inverse proportion to the size of the vessel caught in it. We may form some idea of this sharp storm from the fact that the boats in tow lived through it.
[183] Val paraiso—vale of Paradise.
[184] Bota is Spanish for a wine-skin or vessel: botijá, a jar used for the same purpose.
[185] Lard.
[186] Lime was added to sack, not to preserve it, apparently, but for the same purpose that drugs are mixed in beer and spirits by brewers, publicans, and rectifiers, at the present day.
Falstaff. Villain, there’s lime in this sack.
—Hen. IV.
Host. I have spoke; let him follow; let me see thee
Froth and lime.
—Merry Wives of Windsor.
[187] Teased, pulled, or unravelled. Oakum is made from rope yarns teased or untwisted.
[188] We owe many good hints to Spanish seamen: this among others is used to this day.
[189] This was one of Sarmiento’s unfortunate colonists.
[190] Coquimbo, or la Serena.