[37] WORK OF STEAMER ALBATROSS. 407 



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 demarkation between the rich carpet of 

 foliage and utter desolation of the barren district was so regular and 

 well- defined that it was difficult to realize that it was nature's handiwork. 

 , Narborough Island presented in the distance an unbroken covering 

 of rich green foliage to the very summit of its central peak, 3,720 feet 

 above the sea, and, on nearer approach, a fringe of luxuriant man- 

 groves bordering the eastern shore, and the margin of a small bay, or 

 lagoon, added fresh charm to the view. As we steamed through the 

 narrows between Narborough and Albemarle Islands the contrast of a 

 rich and abundant vegetation on the one hand, and utter barrenness 

 and desolation on the other, was very striking. We anchored in Tagus 

 Cove at 4.45 p. m. and found it a perfect harbor, with swinging room 

 for the largest vessel, although the high laud surrounding the bay 

 dwarfed it at first view. 



The naturalists and volunteers scattered over the land and along the 

 shores as soon as the anchor was down, and returned at dark, well sat- 

 isfied with the results of collecting. 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 Albe- 

 marle Island, but the general aspect was barren and desolate. As 

 the sun went down we were beset by myriads of mosquitoes, bent upon 

 making the most of a rare opportunity. Their attack was so vigorous 

 that at 9.25 p. m. we got under way and steamed out to sea, en route 

 for James Bay. 



The weather was partly overcast when we left our anchorage, but we 

 thought little of it, supposing it to be one of the short passing squalls 

 so frequent during the rainy season. When we reached the vicinity of 

 Cape Berkeley, however, the rain poured down in torrents for several 

 hours, and it became so thick that we were obliged to stop the engines 

 until the weight of it passed, when we continued our course, anchoring 

 in James Bay at 1.30 p. m. in 6 fathoms, white sand. 



The naturalists with their corps of volunteers were off as usual as soon 

 as the anchor was down, returning at sunset with many additions to 

 their collections. Several flamingoes were shot in a small lagoon back 

 of the beach, and a variety of fish were taken with hand lines from the 

 ship. Among them were many bacallao (cod-fish), so called by the in- 

 habitants of Chatham Island, who take them in large numbers for their 

 own consumption as well as for the Guayaquil market, where they bring 

 a good price. It is a species of grouper from G to 30 pounds in weight, 

 and takes the hook readily. We found it an excellent fish when fresh, 

 and it is said to resemble cod-fish in texture and flavor when cured in 

 the same manner. 



James Bay is on the west end of James Island, which protects it from 



