406 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. [36] 



following the native guides, spread over the accessible portions of the 

 island, making collections. One party took the road to the interior, and 

 arriving at the first watering-place, met, much to their astonishment, an 

 almost naked man, a Robinson Crusoe in appearance. He was recog- 

 nized by the guide as Pedro Guaza, one of a party of orchilla-pickers 

 from Chatham Island that had been there over a year ago, and who, 

 when about to return, could not be found. He claimed that he had lost 

 his way, and had searched in vain for the station until long after the 

 party left, but after questioning him I had no doubt of his intention to 

 remain behind. He was doubtless fascinated by the sight of flocks and 

 herds roaming over the island, waiting only for man to reclaim them, 

 and desired to be the possessor of all this wealth. He had lost the run 

 of time, and one of his first questions was, u What month is it f 



His methods of getting animal food were simple and effective. He 

 constructed a blind near where the animals were obliged to pass to the 

 watering place, and with his large knife lashed to a pole he speared 

 the hogs and sheep; a lasso properly disposed was equally effective 

 for the capture of bullocks. A donkey or two taken in the same man- 

 ner served for transporting fuel, he having obtained fire by the well- 

 known process of rubbing together two sticks. It was evident that he 

 had enjoyed his solitary honors long enough, and was glad to find him- 

 self again among men, even to return to bondage on Chatham Island. 



The naturalists made large collections on Charles Island, being 

 able to reach the high lands in the interior by the old wagon-road. 

 Several flamingoes were shot in a lagoon about 2 miles from Post-Office 

 Bay. 



Leaving Charles Island on the evening of the 9th, we made three 

 hauls of the dredge and tangles near the anchorage, then steamed for 

 Albemarle Island, anchoring in Iguana Cove at 9.10 the following 

 morning. We intended spending the day in exploring the southern 

 portions of the island, but the surf was rolling in so heavily that land- 

 ing was impracticable. We were disappointed, for great things had 

 been expected of this locality. Getting under way we steamed to the 

 northward for Tagus Cove, on Albemarle, opposite Xarborough Island, 

 where we were more sure of a good harbor and convenient landings. 



Albemarle Island is by far the largest of the Archipelago, but is unin- 

 habited, 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 3 or 

 4 miles of the southern extremity, and reaches an elevation of 4,700 

 feet. A rich green foliage covered the rugged surface of huge lava bowl- 

 ders 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 pre- 

 sented a striking resemblance to a burnt district, dotted with numerous 

 small volcanic cones. The general aspect was a reddish brown, but it 



