Wetmore--Journal 29 
almost separated from the main mass. A rock lies off the southern end of the 
island. The slopes are steep and in some places precipitous though in most 
parts by careful choice of routes it is practicable to climb up or down along 
small ledges. The rock is decomposed and care is required in choice of 
hand and foot holds Soil is scant and there is little vegetation. Slopes 
everywhere are covered with the excrement of birds but not in sufficient 
volume to make it profitable to gather guano. The peaks unstained lie in 
one long somewhat curving ridge that at the north end partly encloses a small 
bay. This bay at the present season is on the weather side and landing is made 
onthe western side of the northern end. Here there is a broad rock ledge 
and at the western end wh re this ledge joins the main cliff boats may be 
laid broad side to even in heavy swells when by fending off with boat hooks they 
will ride clear , rising with the swells and dropping as the water recedes^ 
carried out by the back wash. Below at this point the water is deep and there 
are no dangers. 
There are numerous clefts and caverns on the sides of the hills but 
none are extensive. The stone platforms in the summits of the hills are the 
most interesting feature of the island. Today I saw two that were at 
least 70 feet long by 25 broad. In the ordinary from these are perfect 
rectangles with a platform of stones a foot high and three or four feeet wide 
along one of the large sides. The larger and more prominent upright stones 
stand at the back of this. Other upright stones may be ranged at three or 
two of the other sides. To my mind these are ail temples. I see no indication 
that Necker has been regularly inhabited and believe that people came here 
! 
for worship at certain seasons of the year. 
Four or five turtles haul out on the rocks of the little bay in early morn- 
t - . '/ •' * - p / - - N ‘ 
/A- p '' i " 1 ' - 
ing. I see others from the cliffs swimming in the water. Sharks and other 
fishes are common also. 
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