using the precaution of sending a boat a-head to sound the
way ; when we had nearly reached the entrance we anchored,
and proceeded in three boats to examine the harbour
discovered last night. As it was near noon when we
passed the small island, we landed and observed the meridian
altitude of the sun; after which we entered the harbour
in the main island, by an intricate passage of about a
quarter of a mile in length, and a t one place not two hundred
yards- wide. Here we found ourselves in a circular
bason upwards of half a mile across, with deep water, and
completely sheltered from all winds. On its western shore
we saw a large and beautiful village almost hid amongst
trees, with a high wooded range behind it stretching to the
south. The eastern shore was low and laid out in salt
fields, with a few huts here and there. At first sight
this bason did not appear to have any outlet except by
the one we had examined; but on rowing to its upper or
southern side, we found that it joined by a narrow channel
with another harbour still larger, and if possible more beautiful
than the first, for here the land was high on both sides,
and richly wooded from top to bottom. Proceeding onwards
through this bason, which had all the appearance of
an inland lake, we came to another outlet, not above a hundred
yards wide, formed by cliffs rising abruptly out of the
water to the height of a hundred feet. Both sides being
covered with trees, which almost met overhead, the space
below was rendered cool and pleasant, and the water, thus
sheltered from every wind, was as smooth as glass. We
rowed along for some time by various windings through
this fairy scene in total uncertainty of what was to come
next, and at last, after advancing about three nules,
it opened into an extensive lake several miles in length,
studded with numerous small islands.
The depth of water in the lake varied from four to six-
fathoms; but in the narrow neck which connects it with
the sea the depth is from ten to twenty fathoms, being
deepest a t the narrowest parts. Ships might ride in any
part of this extraordinary harbour, in perfect safety during
the most violent tempests: and the shores are so varied, that
every purpose of re-equipment might be served. At some
places natural wharfs are formed by the rocks, and eight and
ten fathoms water close to them. Ships might lie alongside
these places, or might heave down by th em ; there are also
shallow spots on which ships might be careened. Many of
the cliffs are hollowed into caves, which would answer for
storehouses; and in the numerous lawns on both sides encampments
might be formed of any number of people.
We rowed directly across, and landed at the southern