NATURAL STRENGTH OF SANTA CRUZ. 65 tain. Westward, on the shore of the sea, stands a town, called by the Shelkihs, (the natives of this country,) Agurem. There is a copious spring of excellent water at Agurem, built and ornamented by the Portuguese, when they had possession of this country, and called by them Fonts, which name the town still retains, and is so called by Europeans. The royal arms of Portugal are seen, carved in stone, over the tank, Santa Cruz is supplied with spring-water from here, having none but rain-water in the town, which is collected in the rainy season, and preserved in subterraneous apartments, called mitferes '', one of which is attached to ewry respectable house, and contains sufficient for the consumption of the family during the year. The natural position of Santa Cruz is extremely strong, perhaps not less so than Gibraltar, though not on a peninsula; and it might, in the hands of an European power, be made impregnable with very little expence ; it might also be made a very convenient and most advantageous depot for the establishment of an extensive commerce with The niitfere under my house at Santa Cruz, contained, when full, four hundred pipes of water. At the termination of the rainy season in March, it was generally about twothirds full, supplied from the flat roof or terras during the rainy season. There was always much more than we could consume, accordingly great quantities were distributed among the poor, about the close of the season, or the autumn previous to the next rainy season.

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