all round: the nearest at the distance of five or six miles. These
islands were small; but inhabitants were seen on the greater number; and
two canoes went off to the Chesterfield.

July 26. The ships proceeded westward, very slowly; the wind being at
south-west. In the morning of the 27th, they were at anchor in 11
fathoms; Dungeness Island bearing W. by N. to N. W. by W. ½ W., about six
miles; and Warriors Island N. N. W. ½ W. eight miles. Mr. Dell had passed
the preceding night upon one of the Six Sisters, which was called _Dove
Island_, bearing from the ship, S. S. E. six miles. A fire on the beach,
with two fish broiling upon it, bespoke the presence of inhabitants; but
on searching the island over, none could be discovered: it was thought
that they had fled to a larger island, it being connected with this by a
reef, which dries at low water. Mr. Dell had a seine with him, and caught
a dozen fine fish; but the object of remaining all night, that of taking
turtle, did not succeed; although large shells of them were found upon
the shore.

Dove Island is about one mile and a half in circumference; and covered
with trees and shrubs, the fragrance of whose flowers perfumed the air.
Amongst other birds, two beautiful doves were shot. The plumage of the
body was green; the head, bill, and legs, red; the tail, and under sides
of the wings, yellow. No huts, plantations, or other signs of fixed
inhabitants were seen; nor was there any fresh water.

On the return of the boat, the vessels weighed; and the wind being at W.
S. W., they worked through. between Dungeness and Warriors Islands, with
the flood tide. They then anchored in 11 fathoms; the first Island
bearing S. S. E. to S ½ W. three leagues, and the second E. by S. ½ S.