284 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1819. obliged to steer to the north-west along the edge 
Sept. 12. of th j s At about four miles further on, 
we were again upon the bank, in four fathoms, 
and once more fortunately escaped getting on 
shore ; an accident which must have been fatal. 
To avoid this, we hauled up north-east, and 
soon got into clear water ; but fearing to 
encounter more of these overfalls, we steered 
north-east for three miles, five miles N.N.W., 
and one and a quarter north-west, upon which 
courses our soundings were between twelve and 
fifteen fathoms ; the bottom being generally hard 
sand mixed with coral and stones, and often 
with rocks. We then steered west for four 
miles, and supposing we had cleared the shoal, 
hauled in S.S.W. until dark ; by which time we 
had run seven miles. 
Although the evening was clear, the horizon 
over the land was so covered with the smoke of the 
natives’ fires, that it could not be discovered, nor 
any anchorage found : we therefore hauled off for 
the night, and from our vicinity to this dangerous 
shoal passed it very anxiously, but happily with- 
out any unpleasant occurrence. 
I now gave up all idea of examining the open- 
ing round Point Pearce, which appeared of so 
interesting a character. The danger of remain- 
ing under weigh (for our only anchor could not 
