EXPLORATION OF PEEL ISLAND. 



207 



to tlie soutliern end of the island, Mr. Hampton resolved to continue with his companions, 

 instead of returning, as had been proposed, with the "Judge" to the valley. The explorers 

 having taken with them the liver and the kidneys of the wild hoar, hung up his carcase 

 upon a tree to remain until their return, and then continued their course. 



In about a half hour afterward the ridge which divides the island was crossed and the top of the 

 slope of the southern side reached. From this poiiit the sea was seen and a view obtained of 

 Bailly's Island, rising from the surface in the distance, a little west of south. It was newfound 

 necessary to alter the coui'se of the route, for the guide had taken the party too far to the right 

 and led them to the brink of a steep precipice which it was impracticable to descend. There was 

 some difficulty now in retracing their steps, for they had got so near to the precipice that they 

 were forced to creep along with great caution, clinging to the strong grass and shrubs which 

 grew upon the brink. By this mode of procedure, for the extent of two hundred yards or so, 

 they succeeded in reaching a place where the precipice terminated ; but where the descent was 

 still so steep that it was found necessary for each man, as he descended, to place himself upon 

 his back and thus slide down the declivity, taking care to check his speed by occasionally 

 clenching the earth or some projecting bush. Finally, the ravine below was reached, but there 

 was considerable disappointment on finding that the worst was not yet over ; for, instead of 



Valley near South East Bay, Peel Island, Bonin Group. 



coming upon a water-course, as was expected, which might lead gently to the sea side, it was 

 discovered that there was a succession of rocky steps, varying from ten to fifty feet, down which 

 it was necessary to clamber. At last the beach was reached ; and as those in advance looked 



