Bougainville's chart was found of very little assistance; in the evening, however, they recognised the low wooded isle which he had called Ushant.

Several high rocks (Teste Isles) in sight when they stood off for the night served next morning as a connecting point.
On the 26th, a crowd of small islands, mostly inhabited, were seen at a short distance off, and in the background some high mountain summits were visible.

Approaching more closely, D'Urville observed numerous channels intersecting the coast which they appeared to divide into a multitude of islands, and it seemed doubtful whether the land seen belonged to the Louisiade or to New Guinea.

On the 27th, the two ships reached the Cul de sac de l'Orangerie--the appearance of the land at this place was considered to "agree perfectly with the pompous description" of Bougainville.

D'Urville would willingly have searched for an anchorage here, but sickness prevented him from delaying much longer on this coast.
Many canoes had been seen during the day, and one with six men at length came off, followed by some smaller ones, each carrying two or three people.