1??8. THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 381 



within us was continent or islands. If not the latter, 

 the coast here forms some tolerably large and deep 

 bays. 



We continued to run all night with a gentle breeze 

 at north-east; and at two o'clock next morning, 

 some breakers were seen within us, at the distance of 

 two miles. Two hours after others were seen ahead ; 

 and, on our larboard bow, and between us and the 

 land, they were innumerable. We did but just clear 

 them by holding a south course. These breakers 

 were occasioned by rocks ; some of which were above 

 water. They extend several leagues from the land ; 

 and are very dangerous, especially in thick weather, 

 to which this coast seems much subject. At noon we 

 had just got on their outside; and, by observation, 

 we were in the latitude of .54 44', and in the longi- 

 tude of 198. The nearest land, being an elevated 

 bluff point, which was called Rock Point, bore north, 

 seven or eight leagues distant ; the westernmost part 

 of the main, or what was supposed to be the main, 

 bore N. 80 W. ; and a round hill, without which was 

 found to be an island, and was called Halibut-head, 

 bore S. 65 W., thirteen leagues distant. 



On the 21st at noon, having made but little pro- 

 gress, on account of faint winds and calms, Halibut- 

 head, which lies in the latitude of 54 27', and in 

 the longitude of 197, bore N. 24 W. ; and the 

 island on which it is, and called Halibut Island, ex- 

 tended from N. by E., to N. W. by W. two leagues 

 distant. This island is seven or eight leagues in cir- 

 cuit ; and, except the head, the land of it is low and 

 very barren. There are several small islands near it, 

 all of the same appearance ; but there seemed to be 

 a passage between them and the main, two or three 

 leagues broad. 



The rocks and breakers before mentioned, forced 

 us so far from the continent, that we had but a dis- 

 tant view of the coast between Rock Point and Ha- 

 libut Island. Over this and the adjoining islands, we 



