TO RADACK. 13 



to be able to discover a passage between the reefs, 

 I approached them within 200 fathoms, and sailed 

 along them at the same distance. I knew from 

 experience that the depth between such coral 

 reefs is always considerable, and I therefore ap- 

 proached nearer, braving the danger which threat- 

 ened us J besides this, it is the only way to examine 

 them, as, even at the distance of half a mile, the 

 passage is no longer visible. D'Entre Casteaux, 

 who, in surveying the coast of New California, 

 likewise hoped to find a passage between the reefs, 

 says he only approached them within three miles, 

 and therefore could not possibly make the desired 

 discoveries. Such a dangerous navigation always 

 requires the greatest precaution ; the sailor must 

 never quit the mast-head, a second must be on 

 the bowsprit, a third on the fore part of the ship 

 (the gin), and the mate, provided with a good te- 

 lescope, must sit in the round top to give timely 

 warning of every danger. Captain Flinders, with 

 justice, says, in his voyage, when he was examining 

 Torres Strait, which is likewise strewed over with 

 countless reefs, " He who has no strong nerves 

 ought to leave such an attempt alone." Mine 

 allowed me to face the danger, though every 

 sudden change of the wind threatened us with 

 death, because the ship might be immediately 

 wrecked. I and all my companions were on our 

 guard, and the crew was prepared every moment 

 to put the ship about. With these precautions we 



