Extract from the Journal ^’Captain Henry King. 381 
pigeons, and other kinds of birds, which indicated our proxi- 
mity to the land. Accordingly, we kept a good look out, but 
saw nothing like it ; the next day we saw no birds. Our lati- 
tude, when the greatest number of birds was seen, was 17° 
South. 
On the evening of the S8th of February, we again saw num- 
oers of pigeons similar to those observed by navigators in the 
neighbourhood of St Helena. Being convinced that some 
island must be neaf, and a long squally night before us, 
I thought it most prudent to keep under easy sail for the night, 
and gave particular orders for a good look out. At 5 A. M., 
on the morning of the 1st of March 1819, I was informed by the 
second officer (whose watch it was,) that there was a large 
island on the w^eather-beam, and that it was as level as a bowling- 
green. I immediately went on deck, and hauled by the wind, 
intending, as it was near day-light, to prepare two boats, with 
men and arms, to go on shore and visit this new discovery. 
Accordingly, at day-break, we tacked in for the island ; and at 
10 A. M., taking with me the surgeon and second officer, 1 
went in two boats, to endeavour to land at a sandy-beach not 
far distant from the ship, which, after some difficulty, we ac- 
complished. After hauling the boats up among the trees, we all 
went up in different directions ; within hail of each other, in 
quest of vegetables or animals ; but, after a search of four and 
a half hours, we returned to the boats, having seen one parrot, 
and shot a few pigeons. The island abounded with young 
trees and underwood, nor did we observe the smallest appear- 
ance of quadrupeds, except here and there a rat ; the ship’s name, 
Elizabeth, was now given to the island. The British Colours were 
displayed on the island, and greeted with three cheers, and a 
bumper of grog was drank to the health of his Majesty. The 
ship returned the compliment, by hoisting her colours and per- 
forming the same ceremony. While these ceremonies were per- 
forming, a proper person was employed in carving the ship’s 
name, and the other particulars upon a tree, near the spot where 
we landed. I at first intended to have inclosed a letter in a 
bottle, and buried it near some remarkable place, in order that 
our prior discovery might be more easily proved, should it ever 
be disputed ; but the surf increasing considerably, and the 
VOL. III. KO. 6. OCTOBER 18S0. C C 
