332 
S O O L O 0. 
Weighing anchor, we were shortly wafted by the westerly tide and a 
light air towards that beautiful island, which lay in the midst of its 
little archipelago; and as we were brought nearer and nearer, we 
came to the conclusion that in our many wanderings we had seen 
nothing to be compared to this enchanting spot. It appeared to be 
well cultivated, with gentle slopes rising here and there into eminences 
from one to two thousand feet high. One or two of these might be 
dignified with the name of mountains, and were sufficiently high to 
arrest the passing clouds; on the afternoon of our arrival we had a 
singular example in the dissipation of a thunder-storm. 
Although much of the island was under cultivation, yet it had all the 
freshness of a forest region. The many smokes on the hills, buildings 
of large size, cottages, and cultivated spots, together with the moving 
crowds on the land, the prahus, canoes, and fishing-boats on the water, 
gave the whole a civilized appearance. Our own vessel lay, almost 
without a ripple at her side, on the glassy surface of the sea, carried 
onwards to our destined anchorage by the flowing tide, and scarce a 
sound was heard except the splashing of the lead as it sought the 
bottom. The effect of this was destroyed in part by the knowledge 
that this beautiful archipelago was the abode of a cruel and barbarous 
race of pirates. Towards sunset we had nearly reached the bay of 
Soung, when we were met by the opposing tide, which frustrated all 
our endeavours to reach it, and I was compelled to anchor, lest we 
should again be swept to sea. 
As soon as the night set in, fishermen’s lights were seen moving along 
the beach in all directions, and gliding about in canoes, while the sea 
was filled with myriads of phosphorescent animalcula. After watching 
this scene for two or three hours in the calm and still night, a storm 
that had been gathering reached us; but it lasted only for a short time, 
and cleared off after a shower, which gave the air a freshness that 
was delightful after the sultry heat we had experienced during the day. 
The canoes of this archipelago were found to be different from any 
that we had heretofore seen, not only in 
shape, but in making use of a double out¬ 
rigger, which consequently must give them 
additional security. The paddle also is of 
a different shape, and has a blade at each 
SECTION. . 1 
end, which are used alternately, thus 
enabling a single person to manage them with ease. These canoes 
are made of a single log, though some are built upon. They seldom 
carry more than two persons. The figure on the opposite page will 
give a correct idea of one of them. 
