SAILING DIRECTIONS. 
337 
besides which there were several scattered about the sound, 
and some of larger size near the main: of the latter are 
Rater’s and Wollaston’s. They are of a very rocky 
character, and furnished with but a poor and shallow soil, 
although the surface is thickly covered with small trees, grow- 
ing most luxuriantly. Water Island, to the north-east, 
in latitude 14° 2T, and longitude 125° 32' 25", was visited by 
us, as was also Capstan Island, in the south-west corner of 
the sound. The latter island is in latitude 14° 35' 20", and 
longitude 125° 16' 20". They are both rocky, and destitute 
of any soil but what is formed by the decomposition of the 
vegetables that grow upon the island. The channels be- 
tween them appeared to be clear and free from hidden 
danger. The depth among the islands is from ten to fifteen 
fathoms on a muddy bottom; but the anchorage is better be- 
tween Rater Island and the promontory that separates it 
from Walmesly Bay, than any other part. It is a very line 
port, particularly near the bottom, in Swift’s Bay, where 
the depth is from four to five fathoms at low water. It is 
high water at full and change in Swift’s Bay at twelve 
o’clock, which is two hours and a quarter later than in 
Vansittart Bay: the tide rose eighteen feet, whereas in Port 
Warrender its rise was only six. The islands off the north- 
east end of Bigge’s Island are more numerous than in other 
parts of the sound : they were only seen at a distance, 
and too numerous to give correct positions to. Bigge’s 
Island is fourteen miles long, and from six to seven broad ; 
it is of moderate height, and rocky character: its south end 
appeared to be thickly wooded. A flat- topped hill near the 
shore of Scott’s Strait is a remarkable object, and may be 
seen six or seven leagues off. It is in latitude 14° 39' 20", 
and longitude 125° 10' 20". 
A. 
Sect. IV. 
N.lTest 
Coast. 
Vol. II. 
Z 
