k 
we had objects in view of more importance, we passed on without molesting 
them. The heat of the day was excessive, and, almost at every step, we 
sunk up to our knees in holes, that were concealed by overgrown creeping 
plants, and that contained the nests, we supposed, of various birds; for 
we often heard their cries under our feet from being trampled upon. Towards 
evening, having examined everything worthy of notice, we fixed a high pole 
in the ground, and buried near it a bottle, containing a description of 
our discovery of this island. We then returned on board, with no very 
pleasurable feelings, as we had the conviction from our search, that, 
should we be so unfortunate as to be unable to get clear of this island, 
we had nothing to do but resign ourselves quietly to the death that 
awaited us, since not a drop of fresh water was to be found. It is true, 
there was plenty of fish, birds, turtles, and seals, which would amply 
have satisfied our hunger; but with what were we to have quenched our 
thirst? - If our excursion to the new island was not pleasant, it was at 
least lucrative as to shells, coral, petrified sponges, and other curiosities, 
of which we brought away a great quantity. 
This island promises nothing to the adventurous voyager be£at certain 
dangers in the first instance, and almost unavoidable destruction in the 
event. It stands in the middle of a very perilous coral bank, and, 
exclusive of a small eminence on the eastern part, lies almost on a level 
with the sea. Its soil consists of coral sand, that is overgrown with 
creeping plants and grass, in the manner I have described. Amongst the 
birds we saw, the most worthy of notice was a species of wild pigeon; at 
least it resembled that bird, both in size and colour: when flying in the 
night, it made a loud and disagreeable noise. 
