24 



that g*o on these coasts for right whales. A few 

 rare fresh water and inland productions, as well 

 as corals, have also been collected. The jaws 

 of the whale in these seas are often covered 

 with curious barnacles ; numerous chitons may 

 be found, with limpets, amongst the rocks. 



The Comora islands, particularly Johanna, 

 abound in common covnries. I have seen large 

 heaps of them shovelled up at low water; and, 

 as a peculiar variety, which is found here, passes 

 for currency in Africa, small vessels take in or 

 load considerable quantites of them. 



The Isles of Bourbon and France are highly 

 and deservedly celebrated for shells — and it may 

 be remarked, that whatever is produced there, is 

 the most beautiful of its species, A curious dis- 

 torted land-shell, which is scarce and extremely 

 interesting, is peculiar to these islands. The of- 

 ficers sometimes amuse themselves in fishing for 

 tJiese beautiful productions ; both ladies and gen- 



