312 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
3819 . After passing this danger, we found ourselves in 
Oct. 2 . a deep channel, the seaward limit of which was 
formed by an extensive reef connected with 
Jones’ Island. At sunset we anchored within 
one mile and a half of the shore in five fathoms 
and a half, soft sandy mud, off the entrance of a 
considerable bight or bay ; which appeared to be 
so nearly blocked up by a reef of dry rocks, that 
it was doubtful whether we should be able to pe- 
netrate without going round the Eclipse Islands ; 
these islands were so named, in consequence 
of an eclipse of the moon that took place in the 
evening; and the flat-topped mount, which is con- 
spicuous on the principal island of the group, was 
named Eclipse Hill. 
3 , The next morning was passed in examining 
the reefs to the southward ; we first landed on the 
south-east end of Long Island, where a set of 
bearings and a tolerable view up the bay were 
obtained. Long Island is of a rugged character, 
and formed principally of large water- worn masses 
of quartzose sand-stone, superincumbent upon a 
basis of the same rock. The spaces between 
them were occupied by a variety of plants, the 
examination of which fully employed Mr. Cun- 
ningham: natives’ traces and fire-places, and the 
remains of a turtle-feast were observed; but there 
were no signs of the islands having been very 
