VOYAGE IV SEAftCK 



CHAPTER VI. 



Imparlance of D ' Entrecajlcaux 's Strait. Paffage 

 from Cape Diemen to New Caledonia. We ex- 

 plore the fouth-ivcfi coajl of New Caledonia. 

 Dangerous fit uation of the Recherche quite clofe to 

 the rocks which fhirt this coajl. We fee the na- 

 tives by the feafule. Small Archipelago at the 

 northern extremity of New Caledonia. Prodi- 

 gious extent of the reefs. We get fight of the 

 Terre des Arfacides and of the Treafury Iflands. 

 Survey of the zi'efl fart of Bougainville's 1/land 

 and of Bouka //land. Dangerous fi I uation of the 

 Recherche on the fhoals off Bougainville 's 1/land. 

 Intei vie w With the far ages of Bouka 1/land, 

 Fondnefs of thefe favages for mufic. Their 

 diflionefly. Canoes of thefe natives. We deter-* 

 mine the pofition of various points of Bougain- 

 ville's 1/land, and of Bouka I/land.- -We anchor 

 in Cartertt's Harbour. Farious excurfions into 

 the furrounding country. Continual rains during 

 our /lay in ( r Harbour. Different obfer- 



ont. 



W E had juft completely finifhed one of the 

 geographical difcoveries the mod important to 

 navigation. It was of the grcateft utility to as- 

 certain 



