circuit, the centre of which is in 1° 35′ 38″ south latitude, and 142° 41′ east longitude.
In the evening we were very near the most eastern of that little group, to which General Bougainville gave the name of Exchequer Islands.
It is very low, and only nine leagues W.S.W. of the Hermit Islands. The reefs on its north-west side form a basin, in which there appeared to be water sufficient for anchoring.
A great number of other islands were seen from north to west.
We made but little sail during the night, while tacking in order to keep to windward of those islands.
3d. At day-break the most easterly of the Exchequer Islands bore south, distant 5,000 toises. It is in 1° 29′ of south latitude, and 142° 26′ of east longitude.
At eight o'clock A.M. we steered towards the west; and we already reckoned thirty little islands from the N.N.E. to the W.S.W.
We steered for that which appeared to be the most westerly, to which we approached within about 2,500 toises. It is in 1° 34′ south latitude, and 142° 10′ east longitude.
All those islands are connected together by reefs, which seem to deny all passage. They are very low, and covered with very lofty trees.
