10 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



us to set up the different instruments for 

 examination, and to try how nearly the ob- 

 servations made by each of them would 

 agree ; but a squall passed over just before 

 noon, accompanied by heavy rain, and the 

 hoped-for favourable opportunity was en- 

 tirely lost. In the intervals between the 

 observations, and at every opportunity, my 

 companions were occupied in those pursuits 

 to which their attention had been more par- 

 ticularly directed in my instructions. Whilst 

 Dr. Richardson was collecting and examin- 

 ing the various specimens of marine plants, 

 of which these islands furnish an abundant 

 and diversified supply, Mr. Back and Mr. 

 Hood took views and sketches of the sur- 

 rounding scenery, which is extremely pic- 

 turesque in many parts, and wants only the 

 addition of trees to make it beautiful. The 

 hills present the bold character of rugged 

 sterility, whilst the valleys, at this season, 

 are clothed with luxuriant verdure. 



It was not till the 14th, that, by appoint- 

 ment, the boatmen were to assemble at the 

 house of Mr. Geddes, to engage to accom- 



