52 
A CAVERN. 
This was, however, the less important, as the natives 
brought off considerable quantities; and, with a few odds 
and ends of finery, sufficient was obtained each day for 
the convalescents, of flying-fish, rock-cod, and the deli- 
cious king-fish. An enormous fish, shaped like a ray, 
was seen near the ship, but it was gone before the 
harpoon could be used. 
October ^Oth . — Fine cool morning. We took ad- 
vantage of it after breakfast to go along the eastern 
coast in a boat in search of a watering-place. Two 
beautiful valleys were passed which must have their 
little streams, though concealed by a bed of large 
shingles thrown up by the sea; but the surf was too 
great to allow ns to land and examine them. This 
side of the island is singularly picturesque. The rocks 
in bold forms, and finely tinted with lichens, &c., 
were seen intersected by many basaltic dykes in 
various directions. A large cavern under an extra- 
ordinary peak, is the favourite resort of myriads of 
beautiful sea-birds, with dark plumage and a snowy 
crown. They biuld their nests against the rock. 
It was fortunate we had been able to reach so good 
a place, where we might loiter for the recovery 
of health. It was indeed absolutely necessary for 
all, — and especially the engineers, — to regain their 
strength before we started on a long voyage to Ascen- 
sion. It was hoped that all our serious cases had 
terminated favourably, but one poor young man, 
William Allford, who had many relapses, after lingering 
