Journal of a cruise in the US ship, Vincennes, to the North Pacific Ocean, China Sea, Behring Strait, etc. by William Stimpson, 1853-1855
Page 57
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Transcription
22 1853 catella, fissurella, Leda, Pyramidella, Arca, Pecten, Mitra, Pectunculus, Scabra, Oliva. There were however scarce any species of Crustacea or Annelida, and few radiates, excepting Echinoderms. While dredging the frigate Constitution ap- earred, and lay to near by, while hold- ing communication with the Vessels. At nine o'clock I went ashore and made an examination of for the natural history of the place as far as time would allow. A short distance back from the beach, where the heat was intense, I found Dacelo Jagrensis, the kingfisher mentioned by Darwin (Voy. Beagle) a Lacertan, a large land crab (Gecarcinus,) and several centipedes. At low water part of the beach was sandy, but most of it rocky in scruffy ledges. In the sand nothing was found ex- cept a large Ocyptole ( ) 1853 23 with plumes to its eyes, which lived in deep holes in the dry sand just a- bore high water mark. On the rocks the shells were chiefly Nerita, but Patelloc, Littorina, Trochii and Plan- axes.[illegible] also occurred. An Echinome- tm and an Ophiclepis, a coral (Ae- fraugia?) a beautiful Amphibonian an- nelid, Gypsea (C.) Areco, and various small encrusting sponges, were found at low water marks. At 12 it was necessary to return to the boat, but waiting at the landing place for some two hours I had some opportunity of seeing the town and inhabitants. The latter were mostly Negros, who go about nearly naked and wore of a much poorer breed than any I had before seen. We passed through some groves of Cocoa- nut trees and tasted the fruit and its milks in a green state. At five in the afternoon the anchor was catted and we stood south- ward with a fine breeze. In the evening several flying-fish flew