WATER THE SIJI1\ SJ 



ever, the ground was completely covered with 

 angular blocks of rock. From this point we saw 

 the Fly in the offing among the islands, and hurry- 

 ing down, got off our breakers and went to meet 

 her. She anchored some miles out, and we got on 

 board about 5 o'clock. This evening we saw the 

 comet very plainly. 



March 5, — A party went ashore for water this 

 morning, and found another chain of water holes a 

 little farther in the bay. The ship was accordingly 

 moved farther in, a tent sent ashore, and prepara- 

 tions made for completing our water. By means of 

 a force pump and hoses the casks could be filled on 

 the beach, not far from where the boats anchored ; 

 but as the ship could not approach within much les* 

 than three miles of that spot, it was of course rather 

 a protracted business. We remained at this anchor- 

 age till the 13th, during which time I accompanied 

 Captain Blackwood on two excursions io the south- 

 ward. On each excursion we traversed the plain 

 between the hills and the sea, and found it some 

 six miles broad, covered with beautiful grass and 

 fine timber, well watered with several little brooks 

 issuing from the recesses of the hills. It was 

 indented by muddy inlets, bordered by mangroves, 

 which, at high water, allowed of the passage of 

 boats of considerable size. The soil was generally 

 hard, stiff, and dark coloured, but became rocky 

 near the hills. The lower parts of the hills were 

 made of a hard and compact brown sandstone. The 



