SOIX^O SEAS. 



uninterrupted, except in one paiticular spot : here wiis a 

 small alielf, about ten yards wide^ but we had eo difficulty 

 in c-nrryijig tho gig over it» 



We waited round and explored tlie ground on tho 

 western side, which we found well adapted for dcor- 

 ebooting, bei«g a fine open country, interspersed with 

 trees, — ^the ground covered witli short grass : there were 

 tracks of nuTnci'ons clOTcn-footcd animals of all sizes, but 

 it was too early in the day for them to bo out feeding. 

 Large herds of deer had been seen on a former occasion 

 from tho Sarmtranffs boats, %¥hen they anchored for shelter 

 on the western side of tlie capo, Numerous monkeys, 

 while tho tide was out, were amusing tkeniseives on tho 

 sand. 



Anothei' party from the ship explored the coast to the 

 southward ; they saw several small deer, but only 

 succeeded in getting one. 



On the llth^ with our tender, the JfV/y Bachelor in 

 company, we weighed and stood towards the island of 

 Mallawallcr, and soon entered among the dangers of tho 

 Soloo seas. As far as tho eye could reach from the 

 mast-heailj patches of sand and coral banks were visible ; 

 but the weatlicr was fine, the water smooth and clear, 

 time our own \ and, with our tender soun^hiig a-liead, 

 we proceeded, nothing tlatmted by appearances. Wo 

 could always pick our way by daylight, and anchor at 

 sunset With the novel and agreeable duty of making 

 ourselves acquainte<l with the islands of this extensive 



