A LARGE SNAKE. 
335 
fort.* All the other parts are now covered with water. 
Anchored for a short time in the channel, and sent a 
boat on shore with the master and second master, to 
take astronomical observations on Dagona (the little 
Terrys), one of several rocky islets at the north end of 
Barraga, where we afterwards ascertained one of the 
‘ Soudan’s’ men had been buried. Their operations 
over, and being in the act of stowing away the instru- 
ments, they observed a large black snake, coiled up 
between the legs of the theodolite. They were, as may 
be supposed, rather startled ; but, after gazing at them 
coolly for some time, the reptile slowly unbent his coils, 
and gliding away, left them unharmed. 
* Barraga, or Beaufort Island, is of granite, much decomposed on 
the surface, which is rough from the projection of felspar crystals. 
This granite contains little mica, and is composed of felspar and 
quartz, with a small quantity of hornblende. The blocks are piled one 
upon another, like masonry, and the soil between them is a rich loam. 
At Okaji, the granite is large, crystalline, and contains very beautiful 
opalescent felspar. — Dr, Stanger’s GeoL Report, 
