INDIAN OCEAN. 215 



cured good turtle and wood. Six leagues north of this, he discov- 

 ered a high lump of an island, and many small ones near it, with 

 a dangerous reef extending from one island to the other, and, as 

 far as to latitude, 28 north. These islands and reef were not 

 laid down on his charts. The navigation of the ocean around, 

 and particularly north of this group, is dangerous, from our imper- 

 fect knowledge of it. 



From many inquiries made of Captain Macy, about the Loo- 

 Choo island, I am of opinion it will be found well worthy of more 

 minute examination. It is situated in north latitude 26, and 125 

 east longitude ; is well cultivated ; and all kinds of refreshments 

 may be procured, and a good harbour will probably be found on 

 the southwest part. The inhabitants are peaceable, and seem 

 disposed to form acquaintance, and establish a friendly intercourse 

 with foreigners. Vessels have seldom stopped at this island, and 

 the world is yet ignorant of its inhabitants, their peculiarities, 

 &c., except what information may be found in Captain Hall's 

 book, royal navy. 



Monmouth island, one of the Baske isles, is thickly inhabited, 

 and well stocked with all kinds of provisions common to the 

 islands in those latitudes. It affords good anchorage on the north- 

 east part. The people on this island wear the Chinese costume, 

 and appear very friendly, and anxious to trade with strangers. 

 The island abounds with sheep ; and there are many islands in its 

 neighbourhood, of more or less importance. 



A cluster of islands, said to have been- discovered in 1716, and 

 laid down on most charts in latitude 35 north, and longitude 146 

 east, is now considered of doubtful existence. By Captain Coffin's 

 log-book, he has frequ^ntlv__sailed and whaled over the very spot, 

 without being able to see them from the mast-head. 



The natives of " New islands," and the surrounding groups, are 

 generally well disposed, and willing to barter in all the production? 

 of the islands. The group of islands between Francisco and Jida 



