130
VOYAGE TO THE SOUTH SEAS.
on this cruize were very variable, but rather more in the weſtern than the eaſtern quarter.
Between Cape Dulce and the South end of Quibo, are the Iſles Zedzones, Mentuoſa and Quicaras. The Zedzones conſiſt of ſmall barren rocks. Mentuoſa riſes to a conſiderable height, and is five or ſix miles in circumference, its ſummit is covered with trees, the greater part are thoſe which bear the cocoa nut, which gives it a very pleaſant appearance, but iſlets and breakers extend off its Eaſt and Weſt ends to the diſtance of three or four miles. The bottom is rocky on the South ſide, as is the ſhore near the ſea. There is a beach of ſand behind ſome little creeks that runs in between the rocks, which makes a ſafe landing for boats. Here we went on ſhore, and got a quantity of cocoa nuts with a few birds. The Spaniards or Indians had been lately here, to fiſh on the reef for pearls, and had left great heaps of oyſter ſhells. It may not, therefore, be improper to ſuggeſt to thoſe who may hereafter find it convenient to land in this iſland, to be prepared to defend themſelves, in caſe they ſhould be attacked by any of its occaſional viſitors. There were a great plenty of parrots, doves and guanos, and it is probable that other refreſhments might be obtained of which we are ignorant. At all events, it