On the 19th of this month, Lieutenant Ball arrived in the Supply from Norfolk Island.  He had made that island on the 29th of February, but was five days off the coast before a place could be found at which it was possible to land the stores and provisions.  So completely do the rocks surround the island, that it was not easy to find a place even to land a man.  At length, however, they succeeded, having discovered at the south-west end, a small opening in a reef that runs across a bay.  Here the people, provisions and stores were all put on shore in perfect safety.  The Commandant wrote in high spirits at the promising appearance of his new territory; and subsequent accounts have proved, that the opinion he then formed was not erroneous.  He described Norfolk Island as one entire wood, or rather as a garden overrun with the noblest pines, in straightness, size, and magnitude, far superior to any he had ever seen.  Nothing can exceed the fertility of its soil.  Wherever it has been since examined, a rich black mould has been found to the depth of five or six feet:  and the grain and garden seeds which have been sown, such only excepted as were damaged in the carriage, or by the weevil, have vegetated with the utmost luxuriance.  To prevent repetitions, it may perhaps be best to unite in this place the accounts which have been received of this island, though many of them will easily be perceived to be greatly posterior to this first return of the Supply.

Norfolk Island is about seven leagues in circumference, and if not originally formed, like many other small islands, by the eruption of volcanic matter from the bed of the sea, must doubtless have contained a volcano.  This conclusion is formed from the vast quantity of pumice stone which is scattered in all parts of it, and mixed with the soil.  The crater, or at least some traces of its former existence, will probably be found at the summit of a small mountain, which rises near the middle of the island.  To this mountain the Commandant has given the name of Mount Pitt.  The island is exceedingly well watered.  At, or near Mount Pitt, rises a strong and copious stream, which flowing through a very fine valley, divides itself into several branches, each of which retains sufficient force to be used in turning mills:  and in various parts of the island excellent springs have been discovered.

The climate is pure, salubrious, and delightful, preserved from oppressive heats by constant breezes from the sea, and of so mild a temperature throughout the winter, that vegetation continues there without interruption, one crop succeeding another.  Refreshing showers from time to time maintain perpetual verdure; not indeed of grass, for none has yet been seen upon the island, but of the trees, shrubs, and other vegetables which in all parts grow abundantly.  On the leaves of these, and of some kinds in particular, the sheep, hogs, and goats, not only live, but thrive and fatten very much.  To the salubrity of the air every individual in this little colony can bear ample testimony, from the uninterrupted state of good health which has been in general enjoyed.