1 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 279 
large ships ; and it was here that the squadron of Admiral 
Lucas was lying, when captured by that of Sir George 
Elpbinstone. 
But the northern part of Saldanha Bay, distinguished by 
the name of Hootjes Bay, affords the most eligible, con- 
venient, and secure anchorage for large shipping, being land- 
locked and sheltered from all winds. There is also a very 
excellent landing-place near a mass of granite rock, which 
is convertible into a commodious pier. The western shore 
of Hootjes Bay is skirted by a range of granite rocks, along 
the sides of which shipping might be hove down to< repair, 
the water being four fathoms deep, close ia with the rocks* 
The Dutch ship Middleburg, that was set on fire when Com- 
modore Johnstone appeared off the bay, went down with hec 
sides just touching these rocks, where she now lies under water 
as if alongside a quay. 
The entrance of Saldanha Bay lies in latitude 35° 10' south, 
longitude 18° east, and the distance from Table Bay is 
eighteen leagues north by west. About nine leagues to the 
southward of the entrance is a low flat island, not many miles 
from the main land, called Dassen Island, which is said to be 
constantl}'^ covered with rabbits and penguins. The former 
may generally be taken with great ease ; for on the appear- 
ance of people on the island, the penguins take possession of 
the rabbit holes, to the exclusion of the rightful owners. 
Saldanha Bay, the shores of Dassen Island, and Robben 
Island, in the mouth of Table Bay, abound with the different 
kinds of fish peculiar to this part of the world. Saldanha Bay 5, 
