208 
SURVEY or THE TNTERTROPICAL 
1822. and level, and similar to the character of the 
Feb. 13. coast to the southward of Cape Lev^que. At 
sunset, when the haze cleared off and the ap- 
pearance of the land gradually sank below the 
horizon, we were instantly relieved from the op- 
pressive heat we had experienced during the 
day, for the thermometer had indicated a temper- 
ature of 91°, and, when exposed to the influence 
of the sun, rose to 120 degrees. 
Three natives were noticed as we passed 
along the shore ; they were walking upon a 
sandy beach abreast of us, but very soon 
disappeared among the trees and bushes, which 
here grow close down to the water- side; they 
were armed with spears, and appeared to be 
watching our movements ; for they moved along 
in the direction of our course, and did not af- 
terwards make their appearance during the 
evening. 
14. The next morning, whilst the ebb-tide lasted 
we had a light breeze, but, at noon, as the wea- 
ther was calm and the brig could not be got un- 
der weigh, either with safety or utility, the boats 
were despatched in different directions to improve 
our knowledge of the place. 
At low-water a considerable sand-bank was 
exposed to our view, that had not previously 
been seen ; it fronts the bay, and is dry at low 
