1845.] CORAL REEF. 249 



The bottom is very oozy (creamy mud). No vessel 

 should attempt to enter the shallows until daylight, and 

 if caught to the southward of Sangalaki, or Samasama, 

 after sunset, should anchor with the kedge, the moment 

 she gets less than twenty fathoms, until daylight, as 

 there are reefs lying off the southern edges of all the 

 islands, as well as the northern coast-line, which would 

 be clearly discernible with a morning sun. 



This unexpected distress for water, reduced us to two 

 pints per man, and rendered it imperative that we should 

 seek some spot upon the coast where it could be replenished. 

 Maratua, as well as Derawan, were pointed out as islands 

 on which it could be procured, but we had already seen 

 enough of them ; we therefore pushed in for the coast to 

 the southward of Si Amcel. On the morning of the 29th 

 we found ourselves completely surrounded by reefs on 

 the north-west and south, and had proof of being so 

 hemmed in, by feeling the coral beneath us. Fortunately, 

 we had sufficient breeze to clear us without having re- 

 course to anchors, and noticing a gap to the westward 

 we stood towards it, hoping that it might lead up to the 

 land. We were not mistaken, although compelled to 

 anchor to await the examination by the boats, as well as 

 for winds to carry us forward. 



During this delay, we had a magnificent view of the 

 submarine coralline gardens over which we were floating, 

 animated by the graceful gambols of the beautifully 

 painted Chatodon, and other varieties of fish, which were 

 most abundant. Many attempts were made to entrap 

 them, but they were cunning enough to elude any baits 

 which we could offer. 



