to the sea, which,
in my opinion, is continually, though imperceptibly, effected. The waves
receding, as the reef grows in breadth and height, leave a dry rock
behind, ready for the reception of the broken coral and sand, and every
other deposit necessary for the formation of land fit for the vegetation
of plants.

In this manner, there is little doubt, that in time the whole reef will
become one island; and, I think, it will extend gradually inward, either
from the increase of the islets already formed, or from the formation of
new ones upon the beds of coral within the inclosed lake, if once they
increase so as to rise above the level of the sea.

After leaving Palmerston's Island, I steered W., with a view to make the
best of my way to Annamooka. We still continued to have variable winds,
frequently between the N. and W., with squalls, some thunder, and much
rain. During these showers, which were generally very copious, we saved
a considerable quantity of water; and finding that we could get a
greater supply by the rain in one hour than we could get by distillation
in a month, I laid aside the still as a thing attended with more trouble
than profit.

The heat, which had been great for about a month, became now much more
disagreeable in this close rainy weather; and, from the moisture
attending it, threatened soon to be noxious, as the ships could not be
kept dry, nor the skuttles open, for the sea. However, it is remarkable
enough, that though the only refreshment we had received since leaving
the Cape of Good Hope was that at New Zealand, there was not as yet a
single person on board sick from the constant use of salt food, or
vicissitude of climate.

In the night between the 24th and 25th we passed Savage Island, which I
had discovered in 1774; and on the 28th, at ten o'clock in the morning,
we got sight of the islands which lie to the eastward of Annamooka,
bearing N. by W. about four or five leagues distant. I steered to the S.
of these islands, and then hauled up for Annamooka, which, at four in
the afternoon, bore N.W. by N., Fallafajeea S.W. by S., and Komango N.
by W., distant about five miles. The weather being squally, with rain, I
anchored, at the approach of night, in fifteen fathoms deep water, over
a bottom of coral-sand and shells, Komango bearing N.W. about two
leagues distant.

SECTION IV.

_Intercourse with the Natives of Komango, and other Islands.--Arrival at
Annamooka.--Transactions the