216 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Oct. 



gone over, and if any use is to be made of the Island, the soundings 

 around the south-west part might be more minutely examined. 



Burning Grass. — Before leaving, we set fire to the grass which 

 was uncut, but unfortunately, immediately after, a heavy shower of rain 

 fell, which must have extinguished the fire in the valley, although we 

 saw it running up the hill sides long after we left. 



By evening of the 20th, all had re-embarked, and we steamed 

 slowly towards Ro3e Island, on which we had determined to land on 

 our way back, for the purpose of planting some cocoanuts, as well as of 

 seeing the Island. 



Rose Island. — We anchored off the Island next morning, and went 

 on shore after breakfast ; and while some of us were employed plant- 

 ing cocoanuts, the others examined the Island. 



The Island lies low, and is but thinly covered with jungle ; the 

 soil is sandy, or a gravelly clay loam, not unlike the soil in some 

 places on Barren Island. On wandering along the beach, we discerned 

 growing here and there patches of grass of the same kind as grows in 

 the circular valley on Barren Island, and it at once occurred to us, 

 that if the Island was cleared, it would soon be covered with grass, 

 and would make a good depot for the cattle of the Settlement. 



If the above idea should meet with little approval, we would 

 suggest that the whole of the Island, except a circular belt around the 

 Coast be cleared : and to assist the growth of the grass, which we have 

 no doubt would be natural, a quantity of seed procured from Barren 

 Island might be scattered. Good anchorage is found all round the 

 Island, and as it is only twenty miles from Port Blair, we think it might 

 be turned to advantage. 



List of Specimens accompanying the Report on Barren Island. 



No. 1. Grass found in valley, a species of Andropogon, no flowers 

 found to show species. 



No. 2. Grass found on the slopes of the Hills; Pogonathennn 

 crinittnn. 



No. 3. Twelve specimens chipped off from various rocks which 

 I'd to differ somewhat in colour. 



No. 4. Black lava found around the base of Cone (4 pieces). 



No. 5. Sand mixed with ashes thrown up by volcano. 



