BY J. W. POTTS, ESQ. 3 
above the sea-level, 1 observed an extinct crater. Its depth, 
as ascertained by a plumb line, exceeded 100 feet, whilst it 
had a diameter of fully 25 feet. Forming as it did a natural 
reservoir, it was full of fresh-water, and in this I noticed 
numerous molluscs, probably referrable to the genus 
Melania. Strange to say, the residents of Thursday 
Island were previously unaware of the existence of this 
crater, but since my visit the place has been officially visited 
with a view to ascertain how far it is practicable to conduct 
the water from this source to the coast. It is in the above- 
mentioned sandy bays that the pearl-fishers of Torres 
Straits have built their fishing stations, availing themselves 
of the protection from the north-west monsoons which 
Prince of Wales Island affords. The island is stated to 
abound in wild pigs and birds, and I occupied some time 
in pursuit of these. Whilst at this camp, the commander 
of the Australian Squadron, Admiral Tryon, visited the 
island, and seemed to be impressed with the suitability of 
some such island in Torres Straits for the purposes of a 
naval coaling station and commissariat. 
On returning to Thursday Island I experienced some 
difficulty in chartering a vessel suitable for my future 
journeyings. A new patch of pearl-shell, which had been 
recently discovered in Steam Boat Channel, had presented 
unusual attractions. All trade for Port Moresby was at 
this time obtained from Cooktown, whence accordingly 
vessels embarked for that destination. I was, however, 
enabled to obtain the services of the ‘‘ Elsea,” a schooner 
of 70 tons, which had until recently been engaged in the 
Port Moresby trade from Thursday Island. Having then 
chartered this vessel for two months, with the option of a 
renewal for a further term of one month, I set sail from 
Thursday Island on 1st October, in company with Captain 
Dubbins and Mr. Jack Longley, and_a crew of ten South 
Sea Islanders. A strong but favourable south-east wind 
brought the schooner to Double Island, at which place we 
anchored for the first night. Another day’s sailing brought 
us to Sand Bank—between Long Island and Park Island— 
but we did not go ashore there. On the 4th October the 
‘“Elsea”’ reached Village Island. Here I found the remains 
of an old native settlement, but all the inhabitants of the 
