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WATER AND THE OCEA N.^ 



m 



the 



very entrance. 



no ground with 80 fathom of line. 



When we were oif the coaft of South Georgia we had 



regular foundings, but in the entrance of PofTeffion Bay we 



had no ground with 54 fathoms. According to the above rule. 



of Mr. de Buifon, the low ifles in fhe South-Seas fliould have 



gradual foundings j but we found the contrary to be 



clofe to the reef forming thefe ifles. 



for 



the water is almoft 



nfa 



thomable. The fame may be faid of 0-Taheitee and all the Society 

 Illes, which are furrounded by a fertile plain extending from the 

 hills to the fea, and then included in< a reef^ beyond which tlie 



w 



fea immediately becomes exceflively deep. 



Near Turtle^Ifland 



we faw an oblong reef, which was no where free frcm water, 

 had a deep fea Included, and on its outiides there was a great depth; 

 clofe to the reef. All thefe inflances here enumerated, feem to, be 



■ 



exceptions to Mr., de BuiFon's rule. 



The Colour of the Ocean- 



ocean.. 



/ 



Wherever there is ah extenfive bank or a Ihoal, there the co 

 LOUR of theiea-water is changed;, but even this is fubjedl. to many, 

 exceptions : fornetimes we find places which are amazingly clear,, 

 and the ground, at the depth of feveral fathoms, may be feen as 



Ik 



plainly as if it were within a. few yards of the furface; fornetimes 



6 



the 



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