In sight of Solomon and Carteret Islands. 595 



the majority seemed quietly to indulge the pleasing anti- 

 cipation that the wine of the present year would be good and 

 plentiful. 



At last, on the 8th of October, we sighted the Solomon 

 Islands. Some reefs which were said to lie a little to the 

 north, adjoining Ontong-Java, we looked for in vain in the 

 positions assigned them on the charts. On the other hand 

 we could see the lofty, forest-covered Carteret Island directly 

 before us. Gower Island lay nearly due west, about four 

 miles distant. This flat low island, which also is not quite 

 accurately laid down on the English chart, appears to be 

 about eight miles long, the highest point of its ridge not 

 exceeding 180 feet above the sea. Its S.E. and N.W. points, 

 upon which beats a furious surf, extend a full half mile into 

 the sea. We could nowhere perceive any huts of natives. 

 Nevertheless it is highly probable, if the island is inhabited 

 at all, that the population would have settled on the W. side, 

 which is more sheltered against wind and weather. 



From the hills on Carteret Island smoke was issuing at 

 different points, but 'the natives did not put off in their 

 boats, although on the afternoon of 8th October the frigate 

 was becalmed off the land. When it was found that in 

 consequence of the violence of the S.E. winds, which alter- 

 nated with calms and N.E. squalls accompanied by rain, it 

 would be impossible for us to pass through " Indispensable 

 Straits," fringed as they are with coral reefs, it was resolved 

 to range along the N.E. side of the entire chain of islands, 



2 Q 2 



