In this wide sea, Roggewein sailed upwards of 800 leagues without seeing land, though he frequently varied his course.  At length, when in lat. 15 deg. 30’ S. they discovered a very low island, the coast of which was covered with a deep yellow-coloured sand, having in the middle of the island a kind of pond, lake, or lagoon.  All the principal officers were of opinion that this was the island to which Schonten gave the name of Dog island, and did not therefore think it necessary to go on shore for more particular examination.[8] The author of this voyage was of a different opinion, conceiving it a new discovery, and calling it Carlshoff,[9] which he says is in lat. 15 deg. 45’ S. and long. 280 deg..  He describes it as a low flat island of about three leagues in extent, having a lake in the middle.

[Footnote 8:  In modern geography Dog island is placed in lat. 15 deg. 10’ S. long. 137 deg. 45’ W. from Greenwich.—­E.]

[Footnote 9:  Carlshoff is laid down by Arrowsmith in lat. 15 deg. 45’ S. as in the text, and long. 145 deg. 28’ W. The first meridian used for the longitude in the text is quite inexplicable, and was probably assumed on very erroneous computation.  It is 190 marine leagues due west from Dog island.—­E.]

Leaving this island, the wind came about to the S.W. a sign that they were near some coast, which had changed the current of the air; and by this alteration of wind they were driven among some small islands, where they found themselves considerably embarrassed.  In this situation the African galley led the way for the rest, as sailing best and drawing least water; but she soon found herself in such danger, that they fired repeated guns of distress, on which the other two ships hastened to her assistance, when they found her stuck so fast between two rocks that it was impossible to get her of? and were only able to save her people.  Roused by the noise of the signal guns, the natives of the surrounding islands kindled many fires on their hills, and flocked in crowds to the coasts; and the Dutch; not knowing what might be their designs in the darkness of the night and in the midst of their own confusion, fired upon them without ceremony, that they might have as few dangers as possible to deal with at one time.  In the morning as soon as it was light, they had a clear view of the danger all the ships had been in during the darkness of the past night, finding themselves environed on all sides by four islands, with a continued chain of steep rocks, and so close together that they could hardly discern the channel by which they had got in, so that they had much reason to be thankful for having been so wonderfully preserved in the midst of so much danger.  On this occasion only one seaman was lost, who belonged to the Tienhoven, and who, in his eagerness to go to succour his friends, dropt overboard and was drowned.