EXAMINATION OF STAPLE TON ISLAND. 211 



The animals on the island were mostly imported hut had become-wild in their habits from 

 straying in the woods. Pigeons, finches, crows, and sandpipers, were found among the native 

 birds, and the tortoise, the iguana, and a small lizard were the principal indigenous animals 

 seen. 



In addition to the two surveys of Peel Island, the interesting results of which have been just 

 recorded, the Commodore dispatched an officer to report on the general aspect and character 

 of the island of Stapleton, from whose statement some valuable facts are derived. Stapleton 

 Island, like the rest of the Bonin group, is of volcanic origin, and has a varied surface of plain, 

 hill, and valley, with large tracts of fertile land. A small bay was found on the western side 

 with apparently deep water, and surrounded by rocks and mountains varying from 800 to 1,500 

 feet in height, which protect it from the S.E. typhoons. 



A small promontory and coral reef were observed to divide this bay, and on the land border- 

 ing the northern section was a spring of cool, well-tasting water, coming out of a rock and giving 

 a supply of nearly three gallons per minute. Tlie indigenous productions of Stapleton were the 

 same as those on the other islands, but the goats which had been introduced there had increased 

 marvellously, to the extent, it was supposed, of several thousands, and had become very wild in 

 the course of their undisturbed wanderings through the secluded ravines and over the savage 

 rocks of the island. 



The Commodore, having been long satisfied of the importance of these islands to commerce, 

 was induced to visit them, chiefly by a desire of examining them himself and recommending 

 Peel Island as a stopping place for the line of steamers whicli, sooner or later, must be estab- 

 lished between California and China. To this end he caused tlie island to be explored, the 

 harbor to be surveyed, and a few animals to be placed upon two of the groujjs of islands, as the 

 commencement of a provision for future wants. Garden seeds of every description were also 

 distributed among the present settlers, and hopes were held out to them by the Commodore of a 

 future supjjly of implements of husbandry and a greater number of animals. A suitable spot 

 too was selected for the erection of ofiices, wharves, coal-sheds, and other buildings necessary for 

 a depot for steamers. A title was obtained to a piece of land which is admirably adapted to the 

 desired purpose. It is situated on the northern side of the bay, near its head, with a front on 

 the water of 1,000 yards and a good dejith near the shore for the length of 500 yards, it might, 

 by the building of a pier extending out fifty feet, be conveniently approached by the largest 

 vessel afloat. 



In a letter addressed to the Navy Department Commodore Perry has given at length his 

 views of the conveniences of Peel Island for the establishment of a depot for steamers. In this 

 communication he says : 



"As my instructions direct me to seek out and establish ports of refuge and refreshment for 

 vessels traversing these distant seas, I have, from the commencement of the cruise, kept con- 

 stantly in view the port in which we are now at anchor,* and the principal harbor of the Bonin 

 Islands, as well for general convenience of resort as to furnish connecting links, or suitable 

 stopping places, for a line of mail steamers, which I trust may soon be established between 

 some one of our Pacific ports and China, an event so mi:ch to be desired, and, if accomplished, 

 one that will be distinguished, even in the history of these remarkable times, as of the highest 

 importance to the commerce of the United States and of the world. 



* The Commodore is writing from Napha , in Lew Chow. 



