Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/314

290 lopendræ, of the species called scolopendra morsitans, insects which very much incommoded us.

It was to no purpose, that we erected the observatory on the island of Cocos; for the incessant rains did not allow us to make a single observation. It is difficult to form a proper idea of these excessive rains, which poured down in an almost uninterrupted torrent.

The thermometer, observed at noon, while we lay at anchor, varied from 19° to 21°; and the barometer only from 28 inches 1 7-10th lines, to 28 inches 1 2-10th lines.

Our ship lay at anchor in 4° 48′ 10″ S. lat., and 150° 25′ 40″ E. long.

This harbour afforded us no refreshments; and we were unsuccessful in fishing.

The tides took place but once a day, and rose only about six feet.

CHAP.