226 
KING WILLIAM. 
they have been disjoined by the action of the sea, or 
that the reverse process, their junction, is taking place. 
Future surveys will determine if any difference takes 
place in the depth of the channel; but probability 
points to the latter hypothesis; from the contiguity of 
numerous rivers, especially the Niger, a considerable 
portion of the enormous amount of alluvium of which 
will naturally be deposited in the deep bend of the 
Bight of Biafra, especially when there is an obstructing 
subaqueous ridge, marked by the line of volcanic 
agency which has raised these mountains and the 
adjacent islands in a S.W. direction. 
The immediate object of our little voyage was Bim- 
bia, Avhere we hoped to be able to procure fresh pro- 
visions and vegetables, which were not to be had at 
Fernando Po, where a lazy population of liberated 
Africans from Sierra Leone, neglect the advantages of 
one of the richest soils in the world. 
We coasted along some beautiful inlets and islands, 
clothed with magnificent forest-trees. At the entrance 
of one of these — the strait dividing Bimbia Island 
from the mainland — the vessel was anchored, as it was 
not prudent to venture into an unknown channel. 
Captain Allen being desirous of communicating with 
the chief, of the high-sounding title of King William — 
his real name being Billeh — landed at the island form- 
ing the strait. 
We were conducted by the chiefs son, Ej^h, who 
had taken a passage with us from Fernando Po, to the 
