1846.] DISCOVER WATER. 153 



that even if this stream should fail in discharging itself 

 into the sea, during any extraordinary drought, as that of 

 the present season, common sense pointed out, that water 

 would flow by the lines of inclined strata to any wells 

 which might be judiciously sunk at levels below any of 

 the higher ranges. 



Our present examination afforded us another clue, and 

 this was, the line of direction of the strata, which proved 

 to be about north-east and south-west ; the general slope 

 of the land being to the southward. We therefore 

 expected to find streams flowing in that direction. An 

 examination of the old stream, alluded to on the east, 

 proved, that although it did not now jet in cascade over 

 the ledge, that not far within, it was still held in natural 

 reservoirs, and although somewhat discoloured by the 

 leaves, still sweet and well tasted. Pursuing our re- 

 searches, we noticed many small fresh drains, and a few 

 pools, but it was not until we arrived at the termination 

 of what, in contradistinction to the Mangrove region, I 

 shall term the skirting of terra Jirma, that we began to 

 meet with decided fresh streams. I am the more in- 

 clined to notice this matter, because I fear that unwar- 

 rantable assertions, of the absence of fresh water fit for 

 consumption, did, in some measure, damage my report 

 on Labuan, as to its capabilities of sustaining a colony, 

 and possibly for some months, I may say a year, retard 

 the completion of this important Treaty. 



It was not until we rounded the last bend of the land, 

 and opened the south-west bay, that we met with any 

 source which promised abundance, without recurring to 

 the course, which must ever be preferred, the method by 

 sinking wells. 



