376 
CRUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 
On March 27th the solitary island of Ascension 
was in sight, rising alone in the midst of the 
vast Atlantic. When about eight miles distant, 
we sounded and dredged in 425 fathoms, getting 
a good supply of mud, echini, coral, &c. A heavy 
squall of rain set in, which detained us for a short 
time ; after which we proceeded towards the land, 
and later in the day came to anchor off the south 
or lee side of the island. The island as seen from 
the ship has a barren aspect, although warmed by 
the light colour of the sand. It was taken possession 
of by the British in 1815, and is about nine miles 
in length from east to west, and five or six miles 
from north to south. 
The surface of the land consists of ridges of naked 
rock, hills of clinkers and cinders, and plains of 
ashes, dust, and lava. Just abreast of the anchorage 
is a somewhat level, cleared space, where are situated 
the buildings used as stores and workshops, a small 
fort, a pretty little church, and the hospitals. Bar- 
racks and scattered residences of the naval officials 
complete the group. The garrison is at present 
under the command of Captain J. W. East, B.N. ; 
man-of-war routine and discipline are carried out in 
every department as if on board ship; the island 
is under the direction of the Admiralty, and used 
as a depot for stores for vessels employed on this 
part of the West African Station. The hills of 
Ascension are very numerous. The most elevated 
