804 
George’s bay. 
the purpose of sending dispatches and letters by her. 
In coasting along the western side of the Fernando 
Po, the form of the vast crater of the volcano, which 
threw up this beautiful island, is distinctly seen. The 
dense forests and luxuriant vegetation which cover the 
island, and clothe the sides of the mountain to the very 
summit, with the modification of altitude, attest the 
quiescent state in which the volcano has remained for 
ages. It is doubtful whether it be perfectly extinct, as 
smoke is said to bo occasionally seen ; but the highest 
part composed evidently of volcanic ashes, has been so 
decomposed, that it is mantled with grass. 
On approaching this noble bay, we were deceived by 
the appearance of the enormous trunks of the bombax, 
or silk-cotton trees, which looked in the distance like 
the white sails of vessels, “ hull down.” One might 
almost have supposed a numerous fleet was there, with 
canvas loosened to dry. 
George’s Bay is much more extensive than Clarence ; 
open to the north-west wind, which however seldom 
blows strong; the scenery on all sides is remarkably 
fine, and it would be an excellent place for ships to 
rendezvous, but that the water is too deep for anchor- 
age, except close in by the shore. The country around 
appeared to be clearer of underwood than at most 
other points, and the view of the Peak is particularly 
grand. 
We found the natives at George’s Bay, civil and in- 
offensive, as in all other parts of this singular island. 
