{55} Maroon negroes are those negroes who have run away from their
masters. They generally collect in large bands, and retire into the
recesses of the virgin forests, whence, however, they often emerge
to steal and plunder; their depredations are not unfrequently
accompanied by murder.
{59} The Rio Plata is one of the largest rivers in Brazil.
{60} Other captains assured me that it was only possible for men-of-
war to pass through the Straits of Magellan, as the passage requires
a great number of hands. Every evening the ship must be brought to
an anchor, and the crew must constantly be in readiness to trim or
reef the sails, on account of the various winds which are always
springing up.
{62} The glass sank in the day-time to 48 and 50 degrees, and at
night to 28 degrees below Zero.
{73} All the Indians are Christians (Protestants), but I fear only
in name.
{76} Elephantiasis, in this country, generally shows itself in the
feet, and extends up as far as the calves of the legs. These
portions of the body, when so affected, are greatly swollen, and
covered with scurf and blotches, so that they really might be taken
for those of an elephant.
{78} I purposely abstain from mentioning the names of any of the
gentlemen at Tahiti, a piece of reserve which I think entitles me to
their thanks.
