As we passed the east point, two natives were observed crossing over to the main upon their logs, and this was the last we saw of them.
Hence the strait takes a northerly direction, and was named Mermaid's Strait, after our little vessel which had thus first sailed through it.
Mr.Roe, in the afternoon, examined an opening in the land to the eastward of our anchorage; but found it to be overrun with mangroves, and entirely destitute of fresh water.
1818.

March 1.
The next day we steered through the strait.

Three openings were observed on the eastern side, which appeared to be straits separating as many islands; the northernmost was called Gidley Island.

To the north of Lewis Island is Malus Island, the north east end of which is formed by a high bluff point, named Courtenay Head; whose summit, from its elevation and position, appeared to offer so good an opportunity of obtaining a bird's-eye view of a great part of the Archipelago, that the cutter was anchored in a bay under its west side; and as soon as the vessel was secured, we landed and climbed the Head, and were repaid for the trouble by a very extensive view, and a useful set of bearings of the islands and rocks in its vicinity.
Malus Island is of the same formation as Enderby Island, and is clothed with the same kinds of plants.

The ravines are deep, and the sides of the hills are covered with the same stone, of which a pile was erected on the summit of the head to mark the spot where the circumferentor was placed.
Some turtle tracks were seen upon the beach; and when we returned to the vessel Mr.Bedwell landed to watch for their coming on shore, but none appeared, and since we found no eggs, it is probable that the young had already taken to the water.
March 2.
The next morning we sailed, and attempted to steer round the western side of Malus Island; but were prevented from passing between it and Rosemary Island by the shoalness of the water.