296 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1S19. 
Sept. 20. 
was too late. Upon approaching the northern- 
most point of the island, which is low, and co- 
vered with mangroves, we were obliged to pull 
round a bank that extends for some distance off 
it: as soon as this was effected, the flood-tide 
commenced; we then landed under Adolphus 
Island, just within the narrow entrance of the 
western arm; and, whilst the people dined, I 
was engaged in taking bearings, and Mr. Cun- 
ningham ranged about in search of plants. Every- 
thing wore the same arid appearance as those 
parts before visited; but the stems of some 
trees, of a larger growth than any we had yet 
seen on the hills, were found washed up on the 
beach. At five, p.m., we returned on board; 
having made the circuit of Adolphus Island, a 
distance of twenty-five miles ; without seeing the 
least vestige of man or animal, or any appear- 
ance of fresh water. 
The wind and tide were unfavourable the next 
day for quitting our anchorage until the after- 
noon : in the morning Mr. Roe sounded and exa- 
mined the south arm ; and as he found the pas- 
sage to be quite clear, we weighed at slack 
water, with the intention of proceeding through 
it, and anchoring in the basin ; but the strength 
of the wind obliged us to anchor under View 
Hill, and detained us the whole of the following 
