The bright green of the tall grass gave a pleasing aspect to the whole island, large tracts of which appeared like fields of unripe grain.

We saw few natives, the opposite, or southern shore, being probably that chiefly inhabited.

Close approach to Piron Island was prevented by a second barrier reef, which we followed to the North-North-West for several miles beyond the end of the island, anxiously looking out for an opening into the fine expanse of pale blue water seen to extend to the southward as far as the large south-east island.** At length an opening in the reef was observed, and the ship hauled off and hove to, while Lieutenant Yule examined it in one of his boats.
(*Footnote.

Piron was draughtsman to D'Entrecasteaux's Expedition.) (**Footnote.

This is 41 miles long, and 10 1/2 in greatest width.) ENTER CORAL HAVEN.
In the afternoon the Bramble having made the signal passage clear but narrow, was directed to enter, and we followed her through a fine opening 400 yards wide, and were immediately in soundings, which 111 fathoms of line had failed to procure only a short distance outside.