Extremes of the outer cluster, from north 77-1/2 west, to west 1º south.
Large island, from west 14º 30' south, to west 18º south.
[Sidenote: Basil's Bay.]
[Sidenote: Unsocial disposition of the inhabitants.]
These islands being within from ten to fifteen miles, were laid down by estimated distances, but it was quite impossible to assign places to the immense number of others which stretched away to the south and south-east, as far as the eye could reach. We stood in shore for the purpose of discovering whether there was any place of shelter in the main land, but in general it proved shallow and unsafe. At length we discovered a bay which promised shelter, but on running into it, the depth was found not to exceed three or four fathoms. This bay is open towards the south, and is formed by a curved tongue of land on the north and west. The longitude of the south end of this point is 126º 42' 22" east, and latitude 36º 7' 38" north. We remained here during the night, and the forenoon of the 5th. The natives came on board, but made great objections to our landing.
[Sidenote: Tides.]
The tide rose and fell fifteen feet and a half; it was low water at 8 P.M., and high water at 2.30 A.M. This was two and a half days before full moon.
The Alceste's boats were sent to sound in the eastern quarter, but they found shoal water every where.
[Sidenote: Proceed to the south-westward.]
5th of September.—At 11 A.M. we got under weigh and stood to the south-west among the islands, carrying seven, eight, nine, ten, to fifteen fathoms, and occasionally deepening to seventeen fathoms. At 4.45 we observed in longitude 126º 24-1/2' east, and latitude 35º 52' north at this time.