177^. ROUND THE WORLD. 79 



it, and of the isles to the N. W. On the 22d, at four 

 o'clock P. M., we drew near the S. E. end, and rang- 

 ing the south coast, found it to trend in the direction 

 of West and W.N.W. for about nine leagues. Near 

 the middle of this length, and close to the shore, are 

 three or four small isles, behind which seemed to be 

 a safe anchorage. But not thinking I had any time 

 to spare to visit this fine island, I continued to range 

 the coast to its western extremity, and then steered 

 N.N. W. for the S. E. end of Mallicollo, which, at 

 half past six o'clock next morning, bore N. 14° East, 

 distant seven or eight leagues, and Three-Hills Island 

 S. 82° East. Soon after, we saw the islands Apee, 

 Paoom, and Ambrym. What we had comprehended 

 under the name of Paoom appeared now to be two 

 isles, something like a separation being seen between 

 the hill and the land to the west of it. We ap- 

 proached the S. W. side of Mallicollo to within half 

 a league, and ranged it at that distance. From the 

 S. E. point, the direction of the land is west, a little 

 southerly, for six or seven leagues, and then N. W. by 

 W. three leagues, to a pretty high point or head-land, 

 situated in latitude 16° 29', and which obtained the 

 name of South-West Cape. The coast, which is low, 

 seemed to be indented into creeks and projecting 

 points ; or else, these points were small isles lying 

 under the shore. We were sure of one, which lies 

 between two and three leagues east of the Cape. 

 Close to the west side or point of the Cape lies, con- 

 nected with it by breakers, a round rock or islet, 

 which helps to shelter a fine bay, formed by an elbow 

 in the coast, from the reigning winds. 



The natives appeared in troops on many parts 

 of the shore, and some seemed desirous to come 

 off to us in canoes; but they did not; and, proba- 

 bly, our not shortening sail was the reason. From 

 the South-West Cape, the direction of the coast is 

 N. by W., but the most advanced land bore from 

 it N. W. by N. at which the land seemed to 

 terminate. Continuing to follow the direction of 



