340 SOOLOO. 



As our naturalists could have no opportunity of rambling over the 

 island of Sooloo, it was thought that one of the neighbouring islands 

 (although not so good a field) would afford them many of the same 

 results, and that they could examine it unmolested. Accordingly, at an 

 early hour, they were despatched in boats for that purpose, with a 

 sufficient guard to attend them in case of necessity. The island on 

 which they landed is called Marongas on the map of the group annexed 

 to this chapter. On it are two hills of volcanic conglomerate and 

 vesicular lava, containing angular fragments embedded. The bottom 

 was covered with living coral, of every variety, and of different colours ; 

 but there was nothing like a regular coral shelf, and the beach was 

 composed of bits of coral intermixed with dead shells, both entire and 

 comminuted. The centre of the island was covered with mangrove- 

 bushes ; the hills were cones, but had no craters on them. The man- 

 groves had grown in clusters, giving the appearance of a number of 

 small islets. This, with the neighbouring islands, were thought to be 

 composed in a great part of coral, but it was impossible for our 

 gentlemen to determine the fact. 



The day was exceedingly hot, and the island was suffering to such 

 a degree from drought that the leaves in many cases were curled and 

 appeared dry. On the face of the rocky cliff" they saw many swallows 

 (hirundo esculenta) flying in and out of the caverns facing the sea ; 

 hut they were not fortunate enough to find any of the edible nests, so 

 much esteemed by Chinese epicures. 



At another part of the island they heard the crowing of a cock, and 

 discovered a small village, almost hidden by the mangroves, and built 

 over the water. In the neighbourhood were several fish-baskets set out 

 to dry, as well as a quantity of fencing for weirs, all made of rattan. 

 Their shape was somewhat peculiar. After a little while the native 

 fishermen were seen approaching, who evidently had a knowledge of 

 their visit from the first. They came near with great caution in their 

 canoes ; but after the first had spoken and reconnoitred, several others 

 landed, exhibiting no signs of embarrassment, and soon motioned our 

 party off. To indicate that force would be resorted to, in case of 

 refusal, at the same time they pointed to their arms, and drew their 

 krises. Our gentlemen took this all in good part, and, after dispensing 

 a few trifling presents among them, began their retreat with a conve- 

 nient speed, without, however, compromising their dignity. 



The excursion had been profitable in the way of collections, having 

 yielded a number of specimens of shrubs and trees, both in flower and 

 fruit ; but owing to the drought, the herbaceous plants were, for the 

 most part, dried up. Among the latter, however, they saw a large and 



