'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎366] (475/496)

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itig our tortuous course through a maze of rocks and shoals, but were
quietly wending one way over the smooth and placid waters towards
our next anchoring ground. A few scattered sandbanks only were seen
during the day, but these are easily avoided by attention to the lead, for
the soundings Measurements of the depth of a body of water. gradually decrease as they are approached. The sea hav
ing lost its bright blue colour, had now assumed a muddy appearance : no
distinct outline of these dangers could therefore be clearly defined. I
would consequently strongly recommend after having passed Halfway
Island, that the lead should be kept going, for the neglect of this simple
but necessary precaution might endanger the safety of a ship and crew.
These islands, called by Captain Cook the York Group, are situated in
latitude 10° 2S 7 S. and longitude 142° 45 / E., and are all moderately
high and of some considerable extent, but rather destitute of trees and
shrubs, which gives them a bare and barren aspect. After skirting Mount
Adolphus rather closely, and observing it was uninhabited, bore away W.
N. W. for Double Island, and soon after perceived a Schooner at anchor
under its lee. The soundings Measurements of the depth of a body of water. still continued very regular, carrying from
thirteen to nine and a half fathoms from the York Group until we came
to in that depth of water off the western end of Double Island, about a
quarter of a mile from the shore, centre of the island bearing S. 50 E.
Moderate breeze with fine cool weather; thermometer in the shade 74 ;
strong ebb tide setting to the westward. The vessel proved to be the
Colonial Schooner Isabella, sent by the Sydney Government on the
same errand as ourselves. Capt. Igglesden and a party of officers went
on board to obtain all particulars regarding their proceedings in search
of the crew of the Charles Eaton. Having given the heads of the con
versation that then took place, in a former portion of this narrative, it is
therefore unnecessary to allude to it again ; and willingly do I drop the
veil over this mournful and frightful tragedy, the very thoughts of
which make the blood run cold.
On the following day visited the shore for the purpose of examining
the island. Found in the beach as we landed several very beautiful speci
mens of dead coral, chiefly madrepores and tubipora musica : tins ^ .
species was of a red colour, and consisted of small tubes arranged vel 1
eally, and in regular order, with a thin plate horizontally placed between
each row about an inch or so apart, and not unlike the pipes of a
mon barrel organ. Several kinds of sponges also were picked up, ^
were observed growing on the rocks beneath the surface of the vate
The formation of one genus was very singular, being in the shape