Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/423

 Rh were seen. At noon we were off Pentecost Island.

Hence we steered to the northward, within a string of rocky islets. On passing this part, some natives came down to a point, kindled a fire to attract our attention. At four o'clock in the evening, we rounded the north extreme of the Cumberland Islands; and, by sunset, obtained a set of bearings to connect the present survey to that of last year. A lofty peak on the main, distinctly visible from all parts, particularly from. Repulse Bay, was named after the late Jonas Dryander, Esq.; it was ascertained to be 4566 feet high.

The Cumberland Islands are all high and rocky, and are covered on their windward or south-east sides with stunted timber and pine-trees; but the leeward sides, being sheltered from the wind, are generally well clothed with grass and timber. The pine-trees on these islands do not appear to be of large dimensions, but several vessels have-cut spars upon the islands near the south end of Whit-Sunday Passage, large enough for topmasts and bowsprits for vessels of 400 tons burthen. It is not probable that larger spars can be obtained: they are very tough, but full of knots; and, when