— 105 
in the centre, thus aiding man in forming a barrier, firm enough 
to withstand the attacks of its boisterous waves. The breadth 
of the pier is about 20 feet, and it is intended to carry it on 
to a length of 3,600 feet. 
On the 28th August 1871 a tramway was begun and by the 
21st September, 1,600 feet were completed and trucks working 
on it. There is a crane at the upper end to lift goods from 
the trucks to the new Custom-House, and it is proposed to 
erect a second at the point of the pier, to lift cargo from ships 
or lighters iuto the trucks. The Tramway, Trucks aud Crane 
were sent from the Mauritius Railway, and up to this period 
have cost about £500. The whole of this part of the work has 
been superintended by Mr Chalmers who went from Mauritius 
for that purpose, and infinite credit it does him. 
“ By the time I had well inspected the place all were assem- 
bled and soon on board. The Corvette had her steam up 
ready to start, and quickly slipped her cable from the Buoy 
and threaded the intricate chaunel. It was a glorious morning 
overhead, but with such a heavy swell on the sea that made 
walking on deck anything but comfortable for a landsman, to 
say not iing of the tribute exacted by Neptune from some of 
the party. This latter, I was happily exempt from, and could 
enjoy the exhilirating scene. Words fail me to give any ade- 
quate idea of the loveliness of the view of these islands from 
the sea ; wherever one gazed the eye took in such exquisite 
picture as will remain for life impressed on my mind, vividly 
to be recalled whenever I think of the Seychelles. 
“ Whole scools of Albucore followed the ship, catting rapidly 
through the waves and shewing thuir fins out of water. The 
Executive Officer threw out a line, and in a few minutes the 
bait was greedily caught, and soon a flue fellow lay on the 
deck. He was done justice to by the cook for breakfast at a 
later hour. When we had steamed out about three quarters 
of an hour the whole group of Islands came into view. Is’ ot long 
after we came to lie Reciffa aud held up steam to leeward of 
it. It is only at certain times boats can land at this little 
island, but we determined to try if we might be of the favoured 
ones. A whale boat was lowered with 8 men in her, and with 
