THE KING OF TRISTAN D'ACUNHA. 393 



very good sort of reed for thatching grows in abun- 

 dance. 



The common tree of the island appears a species of 

 gum-tree, very sappy, and only of use for firewood 

 and common purposes. 



The island is well supplied with water. Three 

 falls run near the habitable part ; one convenient for 

 ships, who may fill casks in their boat with a hose. 



The seasons are described as being irregular ; the 

 climate very good, and particularly healthy. The 

 spring commences the latter end of September, and 

 the winter in April, which is mild, never too cold to 

 hurt the vegetation. Snow is seen on the mountains 

 from April to September. Prevailing winds from 

 S.E. to W.N.W. ; seldom wore to eastward ; but 

 when from that quarter, it blows with its greatest 

 strength. 



It rains moderately throughout the year, and never 

 at any time to hurt the ground. Ice has never been 

 seen ; thunder seldom heard. 



When Buonaparte was sent to St Helena, it was 

 deemed expedient to examine these islands, and, if 

 necessary, to take possession of them. The Fal- 

 mouth frigate was despatched for this purpose, and 

 arrived there in August 1816. Two men were found 

 living on the island, who, it appeared, had been on 

 this desolate spot for some years, and who were both 

 overjoyed in placing themselves under the protection 

 of the British flag. One of these men, of the name 



