BLACK PYRAMID. 299 



found in the boats with 25 fathoms. The N. W 

 extremity of Reid's Rock might with propriety be 

 described as a small islet, it being a dark mass 

 some half a mile long, and rising 25 feet out of 

 the water. The French charts exhibit some 

 sunken rocks to the north of this ; but, if they 

 really exist, of which there is great doubt, we saw 

 nothing of them. I may here mention, that ^reat 

 circumspection should be used by vessels in the 

 neio^hbourhood of Reid*s Rocks, as the soundinsrs 

 do not indicate their approach, and as the tide runs 

 among them with great rapidity. Between them 

 and the Black Pyramid we had 35 and 32 fathoms. 



We passed the night standing to and fro close 

 to the Pyramid, which I have before described 

 as a dark rocky lump MO feet high. Its 

 western side is a sombre storm beaten cliff, 

 whilst to the east it slopes away almost to the 

 water's edge. A few patches of coarse grass may 

 be seen on some sheltered spots. Sealers, I am 

 informed, have landed upon it on certain rare occa- 

 sions of fine weather, and have been repaid for their 

 daring by capturing a few fur-seals from the rookery 

 that there exists. The Black Pyramid from some 

 points of view, greatly resembles Curtis Island, 

 near the eastern entrance of the Strait. A mile 

 and a half from its eastern side, there was only 24i 

 fathoms, which was the least water we were in 

 during the night. 



January 27. — We found ourselves at daylight in 

 35 fathoms, two miles S.W. from the Pyramid, when 



