dustrious, had completed their labours early in the afternoon; and we contemplated, with satisfaction, our worm-eaten boat, pretty well patched up, and properly fitted with a lug-sail and jib, a bowsprit having been formed from an oar. The bulwark, although grotesque and rude, was firmly attached by stanchions, formed from boughs of a species of pandanus, which, without knowing, or indeed caring, whether or not we were botanically correct, we named, on that account, pandanus utilis.
Several altitudes of the sun were taken in the afternoon, to check and to compare with those taken in the morning; thence to ascertain the apparent time with greater accuracy. The bread having been carefully dried and picked, was stowed away in the boat, and protected from the wet beneath, by dunnage; and from the rain or spray; by tarpawling; while that which was beginning to spoil was kept for present use.
These things being all arranged, we assembled at dinner, consisting of salt beef, fresh pork, and abundance of oysters; and it was deemed advisable, in consequence of most of us having been exposed to the rays of a powerful sun, to issue a double allowance of grog. The sailors, with characteristic levity, were in high glee, and quite delighted with their fare.
Dinner being finished, and the sun's horizontal rays not being oppressive. Captain Young, his officers, and myself, climbed to the highest part of the island, and took a general view of those adjacent, and observed
