HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
to mend the saw. Old linen was employed for the purpose of caulking; and 
the kind of jet, which has been already mentioned, when mixed with the native gum 
of the place, dissolved in turtle oil, served as pitch. We twisted the fibres of the 
latanier leaves into ropes, which were of sufficient strength, but defective in pliancy; 
and they frayed also,in a short time, when employed in running work. A piece of 
rock which weighed about an hundred and fifty pounds, served for an anchor; and 
we formed a sail as well as we could. Thus, by the joint contribution of our in¬ 
dustry, the boat was completed; and, by our united strength launched into the 
water. 
Tor our stock of provisions, a sufficient quantity of dried lamentin was pre¬ 
pared; and several barrels were filled with water; we also took the biscuit that 
remained ; and furnished ourselves with plenty both of land and water melons, the 
latter of which may be kept for a considerable time. 
" We were so fortunate also, in a general search for whatever might be of use, as 
to find a small solar quadrant, which, though of a very inferior kind, we flattered 
ourselves might be useful in ouiyprojected-expedition : when, however, the boat was 
launched, we discovered that it did not obey the rudder, and we were under the 
necessity of supplying its place with an oar. 
“ The day fixed for our departure was Saturday the 19th of April, 1693, 
because it was near the full moon, when the state of the tide would enable us to 
pass the breakers, and we should possess light through the greater part of the night. 
These breakers surrounded the island, with the exception of two openings which 
gave access to it. 
" When we arrived at Rodriguez, we perceived on the bark of several trees the 
names of certain Dutchmen who had landed there some years before, and had left 
the date bf that circumstance; we accordingly determined to follow their example, 
and consequently wrote a brief account of our history in French and Flemish; 
particularly specifying the date of our arrival, the time of our abode, and the day of 
our departure ; this document was inclosed in a phial, which was placed in a niche 
cut in the trunk of a large'tree, beneath Whose shade we used to take our meals, 
and which we believed to be proof against the violence of the hurricanes. 
“ At length the day of our departure arrived, and after having implored the 
divine assistance and protection, of which we appeared to be in great need, we 
embarked about noon with our provisions and our property: the weather was fine, 
and the wind favourable; and though the boat was, as may be supposed, of an 
