HILLSBOROUGH ISLAND, BONIN GROUP. 133 



and it should be so constructed as to form a breakwater for the boats and lighters ; it would be 

 impracticable otherwise to discharge vessels. 



Hillsborough island (the largest of the group) is seven and a half miles in length, by about 

 one and a quarter in breadth. The greater portion of it is rocky and hilly, and unsuited for 

 agricultural purposes. That portion of it which could be cultivated is a black loam, and pro- 

 duces sweet potatoes, yams, taro, and Indian corn, bananas, pme-apples, water-melons, and 

 limes. Sweet potatoes form the staple support of the few inbab: ants of the island. I could dis- 

 cover no appearance of minerals. 



There are several varieties of timber suited for mechanical nd ornamental purposes. 



The only animal on the island is the wild hog. The bitds consist of a few pigeons, black- 

 birds, and flying foxes. 



Fish are abundant, and of excellent quality. Humpback whales resort to these islands from 

 November till May, during which time they are calving. 



Turtles are found in abundance in season, and are salted down by the inhabitants in lieu of 

 beef. 



"Wood can be obtained on Hillsborough island. Water may be had in sufficient quantity, 

 and of good quality. A small stream near the head of the cove furnishes an ample supply; but 

 it would be necessary to roll the casks to the stream, or convey the water to the boats by a hose 

 or pipes, which could easily be done. 



The prevailing winds are from the northward and eastward from May 1st to December, when 

 the westerly winds set in and blow until May ; they do not, however, blow with the regularity 

 of a trade wind or monsoon. 



A chart is in process of construction from data obtained, and will be turnished as early as 



practicable. 



I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



GEO. B. BALCH, 



Lieutenant U. 8. Navy. 

 Commander John Kelly, 



Commanding U. 8. ship Plymouth. 



