MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 65 
We only saw Albemarle in the distance, and the following account of 
the island is taken from Captain Tanner’s report : — 
“ Albemarle Island is by far the largest of the archipelago, but is un- 
inhabited, and has no present commercial value except for its orchilla, 
which grows on bushes and trees, and has slight resemblance to Florida 
moss. It is used for making purple dye, and commands a high price in 
the European markets. The highest point on the island is within three 
or four miles of the southern extremity, and reaches an elevation of 
4,700 feet. A rich green foliage covered the rugged surface of huge 
lava boulders to the very summit. Further to the northward, and all 
along the west coast as far as Tagus Cove, the land was comparatively 
low, and presented a striking resemblance to a burnt district dotted with 
numerous small volcanic cones. The general aspect was a reddish brown, 
but it was varied by occasional pyramids, symmetrical in form, and of 
lighter color, resembling artificial mounds of sand and mud which had 
had barely time to dry. The line of demarcation between the rich 
carpet of foliage and utter desolation of the barren district was so regu- 
lar and well defined that it was difficult to realize that it was Nature’s 
handiwork. The watering place marked on the chart was perfectly dry, 
and we learned from Mr. Cobos that it was only during the latter part 
of the rainy season that water could be found. There were patches of 
green near the northern end of Albemarle Island, but the general aspect 
was barren and desolate.” 
James Island as seen from Duncan rises rapidly on its western edge, 
culminates in a high crest, broken by numerous projecting rounded 
summits forming the central ridge of the island, and slopes rather grad- 
ually towards its eastern extremity, where there are a number of small 
cones and craters similar to those of the southeastern face of Chatham 
Island. 
Darwin passed a week on James Island. He paid a visit to its up- 
per regions, and reached an altitude of nearly 2,000 feet. He speaks 
of “‘the upper region being kept damp from the moisture of the con- 
densed clouds, and supporting a green and flourishing vegetation,” 
although he found the lower region covered by nearly leafless bushes. 
James Bay, where the “ Albatross” anchored in 1888, is, as Captain 
Tanner says in his Report to the Fish Commissioner, ‘‘ on the west end of 
James Island, which protects it from the prevailing winds, the swell be- 
ing partially broken by projecting points and small islands. It is a good 
anchorage with easterly winds, and may be recognized by the following 
landmarks, Albany Island is conspicuous, being lighter in color than 
