156 LINES OF COAL. [1846. 



of the year. Water, however, is found everywhere, by 

 digging, in great abundance, and of the most excellent 

 quality." 



As to the new geological features of the island, noticed 

 on this examination, we found that the coal lines, or 

 those on which we should estimate the probability of 

 working, appeared to cut the island nearly in two halves, 

 and that the western lines of direction, spitted out in a 

 sharp ridge and islets, similarly to the northern reefs, 

 (which are there under water) in parallels of N.E. and 

 S.W. The dip of the S.W. islet inclining about 60 

 northerly. 



After my report upon the coal measures of Labuan, in 

 1844, and with the recorded opinion of Sir Henry De la 

 Beche to the Admiralty, " that the specimens forwarded 

 were equal in quality to our best Newcastle," the idea of 

 raising coal in any quantity upon this island was ridiculed. 

 Indeed, the very question of acceptance of the territory 

 met a similar fate Fortunately, however, through the able 

 advocacy of Mr. Brooke, and I suspect in no small degree 

 aided by his untiring advocate Mr. Wise, Government were 

 induced to turn their attention, seriously, to the offer made 

 by the Sultan; and in December, 1846, more than two 

 years from the offer of its cession, the Treaty was com- 

 pleted, and the British Flag hoisted, under the customary 

 solemnities, by Capt. R. Mundy, of H.M.S. ' Iris '. 



What has been the result of later examinations ? Just 

 what might have been expected ; by following up the 

 next parallel stratum within the northern " crop out " 

 near the sea, excellent coal was obtained, and no less 

 than forty tons procured for the ' Phlegethon ' steamer, 



