

OF LA PEROUSE. 363 



from the town, as it required my moft afliduous 

 attention to preferve my numerous colleclions. 

 An intelligent afiiflant would have faved each of 

 the naturalifls a great deal of precious time, 

 which might have been employed in a much 

 more advantageous manner. 



But, on the 7th, it was fcarcely daylight when 

 we were in the roadflead. We crofled it, pro- 

 ceeding towards its opening, and went on fhore 

 near a redoubt, iituated at the diftance of about 

 a myriameter from the town. At this place the 

 roadflead was full fix kilometers wide ; and, 

 indeed, an enemy's fhip had no more to fear 

 from this baflion, than from the other which I 

 have already .mentioned. Their conftruction is 

 exactly the fame, only the one of which I am 

 now fpeaking is nearer to the entrance of the 

 roadflead. 



Quite clofe to this redoubt, a few houfes form- 

 ed a little hamlet, which exhibited an appear- 

 ance of neatnefs that announced the comfort- 

 able iituation of its inhabitants. The fea fur- 

 iiithes them with an abundant fubfiflencc, and 

 the greater part of its buildings were furrounded 

 by well-cultivated gardens. 



Some of thefe iflanders raifed poultry, in order 

 to carry them to the market of the town. We 

 accepted the invitation of one of thefe worthy 



villagers, 



