316 



OGDEN'S HARBOUR. 



[1829. 



that thunders along these shores, without cessation, at all seasons of 

 the year, prevents these beautiful shells being gathered in a perfect 

 state, unless by rakes or divers without the surf. 



May 8th. — On Tuesday, the 5th of May, we got under way and 

 steered to the north, with a fine breeze from south-by-east, and fair 

 weather. On Friday, the 8th, we passed Cape Cross, which is a 

 projecting point, extending about one mile into the sea, and forming 

 partial anchorage, on its north side, in from twelve to seven fathoms 

 of water, sand and coral bottom. The coast between this and Wal- 

 wich Bay (Bay of Whales) is entirely free from dangers two cables' 

 length from the beach, with from four to six fathoms of water, sand 

 and coral bottom. The coast is distinguished by white sand-hills, 

 some of which are moderately elevated, and fall suddenly into the 

 sea. Cape Cross is in latitude 21° 53' S., long. 13° 41' E. Varia- 

 tion per azimuth 20° 15' westerly. 



We still continued examining the coast to the north, by daylight, 

 hanging to windward at night, and always starting in the morning 

 from the place last examined. We found the coast to the north of 

 Cape Cross low and sandy, running into elevated mountains at a 

 short distance inland from the shore of St. Amboses, which is in lati- 

 tude 20° 57' S., long. 13° 34' E. Here an extensive reef of coral 

 and lava rocks runs off in a westerly direction, to the distance of 

 about three miles ; then turns to the north, and runs parallel with the 

 coast for rive miles ; forming a beautiful harbour of smooth water, 

 which, at the unanimous request of my crew, I named Ogden's Har- 

 bour, in honour of the ill-fated William Ogden. At half-tide, this reef 

 is on a level with the surface of the sea ; and from its western side 

 the water deepens so gradually that at the distance of four miles there 

 is not more than five fathoms, with foul ground. 



This fine harbour, or lagoon, of course, opens to the north, and the 

 depth of water around the northern end or point of the reef, and up 

 the lagoon, is from seven to four fathoms, sand and coral bottom. In 

 entering it, however, a ship must not come nearer than half a mile of 

 the northern extremity of the reef; and after bringing the northern 

 breakers to bear west-south-west, she may haul to the south, and 

 work as far up the lagoon as is deemed requisite, with perfect safety, 

 keeping the reef best on board. In this lagoon and its vicinity many 

 cargoes of fine fish might be caught, in size and quality nearly equal 

 to our salmon. They may be taken in any quantities, either with a 

 seine or by a hook and line. 



At the distance of about two leagues from the head of this lagoon, 

 in an east-north-east direction, there is a small village, inhabited by 

 about two hundred natives of the Cimbebas tribe ; a dark curly-headed 

 nation, differing but very little from the proper Hottentots. There 

 are also many fine springs of water, of an excellent quality, in the 

 valley where this village is situated ; from which it may be inferred 

 that this would be a fine place for a rendezvous to establish a trade 

 with the interior of the country. 



There can be no doubt that a vast field for commercial enterprise 

 remains to be explored in this part of Africa. Between the northern 



