$86 JOURNAL OF A 
cailic matter, resembling cinder-heaps in the neighbourhood of 
London. Every hill, both near the coast and in the interior, consists 
of the same substance, chiefly of a deeper or lighter brown co- 
lour. Some look yellow and violet. At a distance, the brown 
tints change to a deep purple. On the great mountain, the colour 
is a blueish-grey, Avith greenish spots owing to the growth of a spe- 
cies of milk-bush, here called parsley, and considered poisonous. 
The M hite colour of some of the rocks seenis to proceed from cal- 
careous substances. 
We were informed by the officers, that there may be about 
twenty acres in the island fit for cultivation. They have made a 
garden on the great mountain, but they must fetch their supply 
of garden-stuff, tuif for firing, and fresh water, from a distance of 
from seven to nine miles. No tree is to be seen throughout the whole 
island. Two small springs of fresh water are known, the nearest, 
seven miles from the tents. But it is rather a continual dropping 
from a rock, than a regular spring, and yields two tons in twenty- 
four hours. The second is at the garden, near the summit of the 
great mountain, nine miles distant from the battery, and in the 
same space of time, yields one hundred and forty gallons. As 
our water on board sent forth a very unpleasant smell, and could not 
be used, the sweet water of this island was considered by us as a 
great luxury. 
The two naval Captains having joined us on shore, we took a 
walk with Lieutenant Roberts towards the spring, but the heat was 
so great, being 115 degrees Fahrenheit by one, and 122 by another 
thermometer, and the sand, or rather powdered cinders, so trouble- 
some to the feet, that after forcing ourselves forward for about two 
miles, we were obliged to return. In all directions, nothing but 
the most barren and desolate region met our view. It appeared 
as if the tremendous eruption, by which this island has been raised 
from the depths of the ocean, had but lately ceased.. 
When we had regained the coast, the Captains returned on 
board. Mr. Somerset walked with me to the battery and store- 
