IQ4 Barrett, Expedition to Capricovn Group. [isf d"c 



to approach them closely before taking wing. It was learned that 

 the peor.'le of the light treat the birds as friends. Captain White 

 obtained some interesting notes at North Reef. 



Tryon Island. 



Leaving North Reef, the steamer set a course for Tryon Island. 

 The tide was at half -flood when the first boat left the steamer's 

 side to take the leader and three ladies ashore. It was a most 

 difficult landing. The ladies were obliged to wade through deep 

 pools, with the knowledge that sharks were about : for 

 several grey fins were seen cutting the water as the boat came 

 gliding in. Captain White has kindly written the following account 

 of the incident : — 



" Mrs. Israel, Miss Mellor, Mrs. White, Mr. Mellor, sen., and 

 myself comprised the party, and the boat was in charge of the 

 chief mate of the Endeavour. A landing never having been made 

 on the island, the mate made for the most likely-looking spot, but 

 the boat grounded on the reef some three-quarters of a mile off 

 shore. The landing party took to the water and essayed to wade 

 ashore. One of the crew accompanied us to help with the pro- 

 visions, water, &c. We found that the water inside the reef was 

 much deeper, and at times it was waist high. Then the tide came 

 rushing in, and it was not long before things looked dangerous, for 

 the ladies were wading up to their armpits, and several times were 

 carried off their feet. To make things worse, several large sharks 

 had found their way inside the reef, and came unpleasantly close, 

 despite our making much noise to scare them away. Huge turtles 

 passed us at great speed, so closely that we barely escaped being 

 struck by their flippers. It was with a sigh of relief that we 

 i"eached the sandy beach just in time, for a minute or two later the 

 seaman attempted to return to the boat, but, after swimming a 

 few lengths, gave up the task. Even this little adventnre was 

 taken in good part by the ladies. The tropical sun soon dried our 

 clothes, and we reclined in the shade of a casuarina tree, each with 

 a pannikin of ' billy ' tea in one hand and a piece of bread and 

 l:)ully-beef in the other. We had just gone far enough to make 

 discoveries when the (.'aptain of the Endeavour whistled for us to 

 return. His commands had to be obeyed, for the delay of half 

 an hour might mean the risk of life and property." 



On Tryon Island the Reef-Heron was found nesting, and the 

 hours ashore there proved profitable in many ways. Two days 

 later a second visit to the island was made by a small party under 

 Captain White. 



Conclusion. 



The scientific results of the expedition are dealt with in separate 

 articles in this issue of The Emu. It remains to say only that the 

 Capricorn Islands have not yielded up all their interest for the 

 ornithologist. Our expedition accomplished much. A harvest 

 was gathered, but future gleaners at other seasons on the coral 

 islands will not seek for fresh secrets in vain. 



