________________
324
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[DECEMBER, 1899.
whence the two Brooks derive their source. Many parts of this Island are covered with a rich soil, which I have not a doubt will be very productive; it is over grown with a variety of trees, many of which will certainly answer for masts, and probably also for Plank and crooked timber. The Island is inhabited by Coffrees which were so timorous, that I could bring about no further Communication with them, than their acceptance of a few Presents, wbich they would not receive from onr bands, but made signs for them to be laid down on the Beach, when they gladly accepted them. Some parts of the Island which were not covered with trees afforded as & supply of excellent grass. There is plenty of clay fit for Bricks and the shores are covered with shells and Coral which will answer to make lime.
Having surveyed Port Andaman to the extent of your Lordship's Instructions, the 11th of January, I began the examination of the Coast to the Southward, the Viper tracing the Bank, and tbe Elizabeth coasting close to the Island ; and boats were dispatched to examine such Inlets, which had anything promising in their appearance ; but I found none between Port Andaman and Port Campbell which appeared worthy of an investigation. A reference to the Chart will best convey an idea, of the indentings of the Coast, and the extent of the Bank, with the very few dangers which extend from the shore. The land is moderately high, very ridgy and everywhere thickly covered with trees.
Port Campbell though . perfect Harbour in the N. E. Monsoon, will be found so difficult of access during the S. W. winds from the narrowness and dangers in its entrance that it will be hazardous if not totally impracticable to enter or quit it in that boisterous season.
The Coast from Port Campbell to the west entrance of McPherson's Strait, bears a near resemblance to that port which has been already noticed. At a small distance, the West Mouth of the Strait is not perceptible, by the assemblage of Islands which is termed in the Chart the Labyrinth, appearing to shut it up.
Ships rounding the south end of the Great Andaman must be cautions not to approach too close ; to avoid the dangers extending from the Twins, and that from the South end of the great Island, both which are noticed in the Chart.
The small strait, between the Cinque Islands and the Great Andaman, appears to me the best, as well as the shortest Pabbage, for ships intending to touch on the S. E. side of the Island; there being tolerable anchoring all through that strait, and being entirely clear of danger. Macpherson Strait considered as an Harbour possesses many advantages; it is abandantly supplied with excellent fresh water from the Rivulet marked in the Chart, it is well sheltered from the force of both monsoons; is open both to eastward and westward ; and the stream of the tide which is regalar will facilitate the entrance or departure of ships. But with all those advantages it has one very great defect, which is a want of tenacity in the ground which forms the Bottom, which is the major part, Coral, Coral Rock, and Sand, with a very small portion of Clay in some places. Upon the whole it will be considered as bad anchoring Ground, both from it's not holding, and the probability of the Cables being destroyed by the Coral. This Strait is evidently what has been named by Captain Buchanan, McPherson Bay, and the Harbour four leagues northward is termed by him Port Cornwallis.
It is hardly possible to conceive a more secure Harbour, than Port Cornwallis; it is easy of access, and at the same time capable of being made very strong, the Bottom is a soft Clay, and it is perfectly skreened from wind and sea, that a ship might run in without anchors or cables and sustain no damage. It's situation will render it easy of access at all seasons and ships may depart from it in either Monsoon. To supply a large Fleet with water in the latter part of the dry season it might be found necessary to construct Reservoirs to collect and preserve it; for after a very laborious search, only three scanty Brooks were found, where the
[The present Port Blair. -ED.]
