noa, extending from W. 20° S. to S. 48° W. at the distance of near 20,000 toises. That island is in 2° 58′ S. lat., and 125° 56′ E. longitude.
We took care frequently to heave the lead, when we were near the land; but we had no soundings with sixty-six fathoms of line.
In the evening, a strong land breeze carried us into the channel between the islands of Ceram and Bonoa, in which, by moon light, we observed three small islands. Although it was quite calm, the current carried us almost to the other extremity of the channel.
About midnight, while the air scarcely moved, the waves which foamed very near our ship, made us apprehensive that we were approaching to breakers. But our alarm was of short continuance, having been only occasioned by the rapid current of the tide, which followed the direction of the channel, and opposed our progress.
5th. We were at a small distance from Kilang. The General intended to pass between that island and Ceram; but the channel, which at best is but strait, appeared to be additionally obstructed by reefs and a sand bank. We therefore made good our passage, very close to the westward of Kilang. The country presented beautiful plantations of cocoa-nut and banana trees, encircling a charming village.
