I visited, in company with Mr. Fearon, the Casa garden, in which is situated the principal object of my visit—“Camoens’ Cave;” celebrated as the spot where that distinguished poet wrote the poem of the Lusiad. It is not correct to call it a _cave_—it is merely masses of granite rocks piled one over the other in that extraordinary and romantic manner in which that kind of rock is so often seen grouped; and this forms a kind of archway, which has been denominated a cave. Delightfully surrounded by umbrageous trees, and shrubs overhanging the rocks, the seclusion of the spot might well have been chosen by one inclined to meditate and compose; where all the objects around him would not fail to excite the poetical imagination to a much higher degree than could possibly be effected in the hurry and bustle of society. A summer-house has been erected upon these granite masses. Some beautiful Latin verses (which I hope to see engraved and placed on the spot) have been written by J. Davies, Esq., who having kindly favoured me with a copy, I with pleasure insert them. IN CAVERNAM, UBI CAMOENS FERTUR CARMEN EGREGIUM COMPOSUISSE. Hic, in remotis sol ubi rupibus Frondes per altas molliùs incidit, Fervebat in pulchram camænam Ingenium Camöentis ardens: Signum et Poëtæ marmore lucido Spirabat olim, carminibus sacrum, Parvumque, quod vivens amavit, Effigie decorabat antrum: Sed jam vetustas, aut manus impia Prostravit, Eheu!—Triste Silentium Regnare nunc solum videtur Per scopulos, virides et umbras! At fama nobis restat, at inclytum Restat Poëtæ nomen, at ingenî Stat carmen exemplum perenne Ærea nec monumenta quærit! Sic usque virtus vincit, ad ultimos Perducta fines temporis, exitus Spernens sepulchrorumque inane, Marmoris ac celerem ruinam! The Casa gardens, in which the _cave_ is situated, are extensive, and have even now, in their neglected state, sufficient beauty to be regarded as the most retired, romantic, and beautiful spot in Macao. CHAPTER III. Museum at Macao—Mr. Beale’s splendid aviary and gardens—The Paradise bird—Natural history of this splendid creature—Anecdotes—Superb magpie—Loris—Description of the aviary.