1"24 EXPEDITION TO JAPAft. 



with a head wind, with the exception of about twenty-four hours. Notwithstanding which, a 

 pretty close proximity has been had to the coast and the extensive chain of islands and rocks to 

 the south of Cape King, on our way here, and frequent casts were had with the deep-sea lead ; 

 bottom was generally obtained on the coast of Niphon, at a distance of from three to five miles 

 from the shore, in from 50 to 60 fathoms, generally sand and gravel. On one occasion, sound- 

 ings were had in 26 fathoms, about five miles from the land. 



Among the islands we have obtained soundings but once. When about ten or twelve miles 

 from Fatsisio, toward South Island, which was in sight at the time about twenty miles distant, 

 bottom was had in 90 fathoms water ; dark, grey sand ; but close to the island of Fatsisio, within 

 two miles of the shore, no bottom could be found with 125 fathoms line. Various trials were 

 had at different points. I will here remark, that Fatsisio is a beautiful looking island, and ap- 

 pears to have a numerous population, and to be in a high state of cultivation. A high, sugar- 

 loaf looking island, of small base, about two miles from the main island, is cultivated to its 

 very summit — a height, I should think, of 1,200 feet. 



Fatsisio, instead of being inaccessible as regards convenient landing-places, on the contrary, 

 has a number of fine landing beaches, upon one of which could be seen two boats hauled up. No 

 boats were seen afloat at the main island ; but the high sugar-loaf island, above spoken of, had 

 several boats near it, apparently fishing. 



The lack of observations, on account of the thick, stormy, and cloudy weather experienced on 

 our passage, will allow but little to be said in regard to the position of the coast of Niphon and 

 the adjacent islands. 



Tbe master's monthly report will contain such particulars as his observations will warrant, 

 both as regards currents and position of places. 



All which is respectfully submitted, by your obedient servant, 



JOEL ABBOT, 

 Captain U. 8. Navy. 



Commodore M. C. Perry, 



Commander-in-chief U. S. naval forces, East India, China, and Japan seas. 



