Our ships of war, stationed in the outer roads of Buenos Ayres, send their boats for brush-wood to the Island of St. Gabriel, near Colonia. The church is a conspicuous land-mark, and looks very much like an English country church, in its exterior; the interior has nothing of splendour to boast--no organ, or decorations; the service is confided to some poor old priests, who are fast approaching their earthly end. If Colonia in itself has nothing attractive, the country around makes ample amends, being interspersed with small hills, dales, lakes, and agreeable rides--affording a fine field to the sportsman. The prospect of the river is uninterrupted, assuming the appearance of a perfect sea. Here is every facility for bathing: the water is clear and bracing. This side of the river, in point of scenery, is far beyond the Buenos Ayrean: an Englishman, however, regards it with almost equal indifference. If any particular view is pointed out, Sussex, Kent, Devonshire, crowd upon his thoughts; in comparison with which, the flat coast and few diminutive hills of this part of South America appear insignificant. In the environs of Colonia are many comfortable _quintas_, or farm-houses. Provisions are dearer than in Buenos Ayres, and the beef is not so good. In the neighbourhood are found the birds called cardinals, from having a tuft of feathers upon their heads shaped like a cardinal's hat. Their plumage is pretty; and they sing. Care is required to convey them safe to Europe. The air plant is a singular production of this place; it grows on bushes, and will thrive in the open air, without the aid of mould. I think it possible, a few years hence, that Colonia may start from its present inferiority, and take a station commensurate with the advantages it possesses as a port in the river Plate. It was occupied by a division of our army in 1807. History reminds us of our countryman, Penrose, and the mishaps he encountered here in 1762. Lately, the church and several houses have been damaged, and some lives lost, by the blowing up of a magazine of gunpowder.