152 AN EXPEDITION TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND. 



Eugenia^ Sideroxylon, Bnrrinytonia, Laportea with Randier 

 formed most of the forest, and Guettarda and Qchrosia which 

 do not generally occur on the plateau were both here. A 

 little rain fell during the night. The robber-crabs, Birgus 

 tiitro, invaded the tents and stole a boot, and a killing bottle, 

 which was found next day broken under a pile of cut bushes. 

 19th — Messrs. Jones, Jackson and I with Kassan started 

 early, leaving the coolies to follow along the track we had 

 marked yesterday. After a short way we noticed we were 

 descending, and eventually the track disappeared, pushing on 

 we came to a ridge of phosphate of alumina and iron, a 

 curious rock resembling sandstone at first glance. This is the 

 rock abundant at Murray Hill. We then came to an old en- 

 campment with a bucket, a tin, a grindstone and a pair of 

 shoes, evidently a very old encampment. The ground des- 

 cended very abruptly to an old stream bed. We appeared to 

 be near the sea but there were no tracks or blaze marks. 

 As it was obvious we were not near Hugh's dale, we pushed 

 on to find out where we were, and at last got to a cliff' edge 

 from which the sea could be seen at our feet. We were on 

 the top of the upper terrace of the south coast about two miles 

 from Egeria Point. The view of this point never yet reached 

 by anyone as far as is known was very fine. The immense 

 vertical cliffs densely covered with trees ran in a curve to the 

 point where we w r ere, Below them was the shore terrace, with 

 at one. point as far as could be judged an outcrop of basaltic 

 rocks. Immediately below us was a great densely wooded 

 gorge. It was obvious that no water was to be found here, 

 and it seemed impossible to descend these precipitous rocks. 

 A message was sent back to the Settlement for more water as 

 very little remained. The coolies were sent back and we 

 camped for the night. The forest here was botanically poor, 

 the only plant of interest being Melochia urhorea of which a 

 large tree was seen over the precipice. Pigeons were 

 abundant. Dr. Hanitsch took photographs of Egeria Point 

 and of a booby on its nest among the rocks. The Birgus was 

 abundant here, and constantly entered the tents at night 

 One seized a towel while dinner was being cooked and during 



Jour. Straits Branch 



