82 ISLAND OF LUBAN. [1846. 



may be attributed many of the unaccountable affections 

 to which seamen are subject in tropical climates. 



The composition of the shores of Luban, as far as we 

 were able to inspect the crust, appeared to be a mixture 

 of clay and Mica slates, frequently traversed by ' dykes 

 of quartz, and occasionally of carbonate of Lime. The 

 northern point of the bay, which is termed Punta 

 Tumbaga (or Copper Point) is of a deep greenish hue, 

 evidently charged with the oxide of this metal, and in 

 some cases, where the water filters through, apparently 

 in the state of the blue sulphate, discolouring, and preci- 

 pitating on, the point of my penknife. The authorities 

 at Manila designate the island as rich " in minerals." 



Having completed our examination of this bay, the 

 ship and ' Royalist ' were directed to pass round by the 

 eastern end of Ambil, and pick up the boats before en- 

 tering the passage between Luban and Isla Cabras. 

 Keeping the boats under my direction, we proceeded 

 within the islands, examining the indentations of both for 

 fresh water or anchorage, which I had been informed 

 were to be found convenient on the western side of Ambil. 

 A very small harbour for boats was noticed, in which I 

 observed one of their Faluas at anchor ; but as the spot 

 was insignificant, I did not lose time by further delay. 

 About noon, we were abreast of a very large village,* 

 situated in the northern centre of Luban, and, as we had 

 been informed, protected from northerly gales by a very 

 extensive coral patch very near the water's edge. Never- 

 theless I should have hesitation in risking one of Her 

 Majesty's Ships in such a very exposed situation. Re- 

 joining the ' Samarang ', and favoured by a gentle breeze 



* Tagbach. 



