96 SANDBANKS, &C. [1846. 



decomposed vegetable matter. As it approaches the 

 town, or base for the Cocoa-nut trees, the soil becomes 

 darker, probably from greater attention to cultivation, 

 and mixture of manure ; but I remarked that wherever the 

 soil had been disturbed to any depth, or where the land 

 crabs had carried on their operations, that the sub-soil 

 consisted entirely of comminuted coral matter. The 

 island being, therefore, deficient in the composition of the 

 older strata is not in a condition either to retain or convey 

 its casual supplies of water to the lower levels, and for this 

 reason, as well as from the coral debris noticed at the wells 

 it cannot at any time be so pure as that of more primitive 

 formations. After a very close examination of the 

 northern entrance to the sound, formed by the greater 

 islands, it was ascertained that it is barred by sand- 

 banks, which would not admit of vessels drawing above 

 twelve feet ; a channel might, however, be easily dredged 

 through this obstacle, although it would soon close again 

 by the constant undulation prevailing within the reefs. 

 At present it would afford a secure asylum to small ves- 

 sels, drawing from ten to twelve feet, and in the event of 

 war, would become a most important position for annoying 

 the trade of these seas. The interior of the sound is 

 deep, and its numerous picturesque bays afford eligible 

 situations for forming jetties or other buildings for marine 

 purposes. The scenery reminded me very much of some 

 of the sequestered spots about Bermuda ; the principal 

 trees, however, differ here, they are mostly of the palm 

 tribe, with the underwood composed of the Hibiscus and 

 other shrubs prevalent in these regions ; no hard wood 

 trees were noticed. 



