222 
CRUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 
of varied form and size in sight, sounding and 
dredging daily with most satisfactory results. On 
the evening of the 13th we crossed the Equator, and 
on the next day passed the islands of Bachian and 
Tawali, which are great volcanic masses heaved 
up into ridges about 1000 feet in height, and 
separated by a long, narrow strait abounding in 
the grandest scenery. Here on Bachian the clove- 
tree grows wild. North of this island is Makian, 
an old volcano; in fact, we were just now sur- 
rounded with extinct craters. The next day (14th) 
we passed through the .channel separating Tidore, 
with its high, prominent peak, from that of Ternate, 
and late in the evening anchored in the well- 
sheltered bay, off the village of Ternate, situated at 
the eastern declivity of a volcanic mountain 5000 
feet high. This is one of four or five conical vol- 
canoes, which skirt the west coast of the large and 
almost unknown island of Gilolo. The town is 
concealed from view until close up to the anchorage, 
when it is seen stretching along the shore at the 
very base of the mountain. Its situation is fine, 
and there are grand views on every side. Op- 
posite is the rugged promontory and fine volcanic 
cone of Tidore ; to the east is the long, mountainous 
coast of Gilolo ; while immediately behind the town 
rises the huge mountain, sloping easily at first, and 
covered with a thick grove of fruit-trees, but soon 
becoming steeper, and furrowed with deep g allies 
