ups,
to consist of a circle of islands connected by a reef. The Bronus Isles,
however, appeared of more ancient formation than any we had yet seen;
the land was somewhat more elevated, and the trees were larger and
stronger. Here also we saw no appearance of inhabitants.

A calm which suddenly set in exposed us to the danger of being driven by
a powerful current upon the reef; but when we were already very near
the breakers, the direction of the current varied, running southward
parallel with the coast. By this means we were enabled to double the
southern extremity of the group, and a gentle breeze soon after
springing up, conveyed us to a safe distance from the land. According to
our observation, this southern extremity lies in latitude 11 deg. 20'
50", and longitude 197 deg. 28' 30". It was my intention to have noted
the position of the whole group, for which purpose I endeavoured during
the night to keep the ship in its vicinity; but at daybreak the current
had carried us so far to leeward, that land could scarcely be perceived
from the mast-head. As it was utterly impossible to make any way against
the united force of the current and trade-wind, I was obliged to abandon
my design, upon which we steered for the Ladrones, or Mariana Isles,
where I intended to take in fresh provisions.

It is a striking phenomenon, and one not easily accounted for, that in
11 deg. north latitude, from the Radak chain to the Bronus Isles, there
should be a current of a mile and a half per hour.

THE LADRONES,

AND THE

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

THE LADRONES, AND THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

Having, in my former voyage, given a detailed account of these islands,
I need not here add much concerning them. A fresh breeze, and fine
weather, made our voyage agreeable and rapid. On the morning of the 25th
of October, we saw the island Sarpani, which belongs to the Ladrones,
lying before us at the distance of twenty-five miles, and soon after
distinguished the principal island, Guaham, whither we were bound. The
longitude of the eastern point of Sarpani was found to be 214 deg. 38'.

The aspect of the eastern point of Guaham, which is exposed to a
constant trade-wind, does not suggest an idea of the fertility of the
island; but the traveller is agreeably surprised at the sight of its
western coast, where Nature has been most prodigal; and cannot but
remember with sorrow the extermination of the natives by the Spaniards,
on their