'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎380] (489/496)

380
»
sandstone, deriving its tinge no doubt from the oxide of iron. It is lono-
and narrow, and separated from the mainland only by a small strait two
miles or so across : fine open plains, with glade-like spots covered with
high grass, and dotted here and there with clumps of trees of dwarfish
growth, w r as the characteristic scenery of this island. The soil is a
darkish-coloured loam, and has the appearance of being of an extremely
fertilizing quality, and no doubt if the ground was cultivated, it would
produce tropical fruits and vegetation to any amount. I am astonished
the settlers did not locate themselves on this Island instead of Raffles’
Ray, for it seems, from a variety of circumstances, far better adapted for a
colony than the latter place, the land being quite clear and almost desti
tute oi timber. The pure sea breeze is consequently not obstructed, and
the climate must be for that reason rendered cool and pleasant,—where
as in the old settlement, situated as it was on the immediate skirts of a
thick and almost impenetrable forest, the contrary effect would be
produced, for the south-east trade, blowing as it does immediately over
the land, would become not only heated, but it would bring with it noxious
gases arising from decomposed vegetable matter, 'which must be injurious
to human life. We made several trips to this island, and had therefore
an opportunity of judging of the difference between the temperature of
the one and the temperature of the other ; and it was certainly very
remarkable that on the island we enjoyed the cool and invigorating
bieeze, and could walk about in the sun the whole day without any ill
effects, whilst in the latter, although the sun’s rays were almost shut out
by the dense foliage over head, yet we felt fatigued and languid even
ofter an hour or two s excursion, from the oppressive heat caused by the
■want of a free circulation of air. Croker’s Island being quite uninhabited,
'would for this reason also have been far preferable as a colony, for the
natives could never have annoyed or molested the settlers in any way :
they are not possessed of any canoes, and the only means they have of
crossing the small straits which divide it from the mainland are rough
logs of wood rudely lashed together by cords constructed of grass : this
cii cumstance thus effectually deterring them from making any hostile
attack. The omy two savages we saw on the island were our sable
friends Wellington and Waterloo, who often paddled across the water for
the purpose of accompanying us. They were our constant companions,
and wherever a party happened to be, they were sure to find it out, no
matter at what distance off. They were always very friendly, and their
presence was usually greeted by us with acclamations of pleasure, which
they received by shouting out their English names at the very top ol
their voices. They were not timid, like the rest of their tribe, when in
oui society, but quite the contrary, for they seemed never to be more
pleased than when with any of our party, I suppose from this circum-
*
i
stance
colony
English
plentift
duck w
side,-
the bac
from ai
year.
Raff
east, a
depth
on an 1
t
perfec
dant, i
two or
shore,
is also
also to
course
Bay, of
species
togethe
near the
collectin
turtle dt
this ang
ffliere tl