32 ARRIVE AT MAURITIUS. 



On May 2 the vicinity of land was denoted by the 

 appearance of four tropic birds (Phaeton cethcrevs) 

 and a tern ; and next evening-^ shortly before sunset^ 

 we sig'hted the Island of Mauritius^ the Bamboo 

 Mountain at Grand Port being- the first part seen. 

 We rapidly closed in Avith the land^ and during* the 

 nig'ht were near enough to see the surf on the 

 coral reefs fringing* the shore^ it assuming the ap- 

 pearance^ in the bright moonshine^ of a sandy beach 

 of glittering whiteness. 



Captain Stanley remarks^ that "• the reef on the 

 east side of the island projects further than is laid 

 down on the Admiralty chart^ and as from the pre- 

 valence of the S. E. trade a current is constantly 

 setting to the westAvard^ vessels approaching' this 

 part of the island should be very cautious^ even 

 wdth a leading Avind^ not to get too close in with the 

 land until the passage between Gimner's and Round 

 Island is a\ ell under the lee. At nighty also^ the 

 distance from the land^ when off the N. E. end of 

 the island^ is \evj deceiving^ as the plains of Pam- 

 plemousses are ver}^ low. The Rattlesnake^ in pass- 

 ing at night between the Gunner's Quoin and Flat 

 Island, experienced a strong set of nearly three 

 miles an hour to the aa esfcward^ Avhich at times is 

 said to be much stronger^ and partakes in some 

 measure of the nature of a tide.'' 



May 4:th. — When I came upon deck I found that 

 Ave had rounded the north end of the island^ and 

 were beating up for Port Louis. It AA^as a delightful 



