1846.] CAGAYAN SOOLOO. 113 



being merely to determine its geographical position, no 

 attempt was made at any survey beyond the immediate 

 anchorage. Our observatory was pitched upon a small 

 rocky islet, perched upon a reef at the entrance of a most 

 romantic circular basin, and although perfectly barred by 

 a reef crossing its entrance, was bottomless, with fifty 

 fathoms immediately within, and having but fifteen 

 fathoms at a boat's length from any part of its sides, 

 above which the cliffs rose abruptly to several hundred 

 feet. It appeared, indeed, as a complete crater, and 

 though densely covered on its sides with the most luxu- 

 riant vegetation, composed chiefly of parasitic plants, the 

 absence of a ripple or breeze, the deep blue mirror re- 

 flecting and adding to the apparent cylinder, together 

 with the silence and gloom which prevailed, was almost 

 oppressive ; a chasm in the rock showed that one of a 

 similar character was situated almost in conjunction, 

 easterly, but we noticed, on passing in the ship, that it 

 was similarly barred by reefs. To the westward, habi- 

 tations were noticed, but as no disposition was exhibited 

 on the part of the inhabitants to visit us, and our time 

 was fully occupied in more important pursuits, they were 

 allowed to remain undisturbed until we were at liberty. 

 The motions of several prahus, noticed off two small is- 

 lands, situated about three miles to the southward, being 

 suspicious, began to excite our attention about 8 P.M., nearly 

 at the moment, having completed Observations, 1 had de- 

 determined on visiting the houses above-noticed ; but our 

 plans were now changed, and, under the full belief that the 

 prahus were piratical, the signal was made for a general 

 chase, our boats being at that period about five miles to the 



VOL. II. I 



