1 846.] APO ISLAND. 83 



and the most beautiful weather, we grazed Cabras Island 

 and rounded to under its southern face, continued sur- 

 veying its southern limits, and by sunset found secure 

 anchorage under its lee, where the barges were hoisted in 

 board, preparatory to a run for the southern end of Min- 

 doro. Quitting Cabras that evening, on the morning of 

 the 16th we effected a landing on the inner Apo Island, 

 for Observations to fix its position, the ship having orders 

 to preserve a distance of five miles, and the ' Royalist ' to 

 extend her distance W.N.W., in sight of the ship, in 

 search of a shoal said to exist in that direction, which she 

 fortunately found, and dropped her anchor on it; the 

 least water found by her boats being three fathoms, and 

 the distance from the lesser Apo rocks being determined 

 to be eleven miles, bearing N. 73 W. true. 



The cutter, with her gun, had been ordered to accom- 

 pany us, in case of requiring measurement for base ; but 

 shortly after landing upon this apparently desolate rock, 

 we noticed two boats approaching from the larger island, 

 and go to the rear of our position. When opportunity 

 admitted of my quitting the instruments, I proceeded to 

 examine the rocks, and, very much to my astonishment, 

 discovered a complete nest of what were, doubtless, pirates, 

 when convenient prey offered. The interior of this coralline 

 mass which was much worn by the sea, presented a series 

 of cavities, which were taken possession of as chambers, and 

 game cocks, the almost invariable companion as well as 

 decoy bird of these people, might be noticed, tethered in 

 every direction. The exuviae of Turtle, of several species, 

 dried fish, nets, &c., afforded a fair pretext for the harm- 

 less and peaceable pursuit of fishermen ; but there was 



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