The next island is Mali Wali, and here we anchored to examine it. We tried at many places, but found the little creeks shallow and lined with mangrove swamps; but by landing on the south side, at the east end of the stone beach, there is but a few minutes’ walk in dry forest between the shore and the cleared land. The appearance of the island is remarkable; for miles the hills apparently are clothed with grass, with only a narrow belt of jungle skirting the shingly beach; the reality, however, disappointed us, as we found that this verdant-looking land was but a heap of soft sandstone, with long coarse grass growing up between the crevices. However, there is a good supply of clear water from tiny streams and springs, and the tracks of deer were observed in many places, while on all sides a species of wild jasmine grew in luxuriance, bearing a very sweet-scented flower. This island did not tempt us to stay long, so we steered for Cagayan Sulu, which is a gem in the ocean; it has three peaks, wooded, but varied by grassy glades, groves of cocoa-nuts and fruit-trees, partly concealing and partly revealing scattered houses and villages. It is, indeed, a picturesque island from every view. Our first intercourse appeared likely to be unfriendly. Steering round to the south-west side, we landed at a place where we saw some houses close to the beach, and as we pulled ashore, we could see the inhabitants gathering in armed groups; however, we were received with great civility, and explained the object of our visit, which was to inquire what fresh provisions could be procured there. We did not stay long, as they promised to bring us down next day a good supply. When we landed on the following morning, we found a very large party assembled with several fine bullocks for sale; while the bargaining was going on I wandered inland with a companion to have a look at the country. Wherever we went we found plantations of cocoa-nuts and plantains, and round the houses were small vegetable gardens, while between the dwellings were occasionally extensive tracks of long coarse grass, on which were herds of bullocks feeding. At length we came to a spot which tempted us to rest. It was a rock overhanging a tiny bay, thrown into deep shade by the tall graceful palms which bent over it; while looking inland across the gently sloping fields of long high grass interspersed with groves, we could see parties of natives marching in Indian file, with their bright spear-heads flashing in the sun, winding their way down to the extemporized market. We sat under the shade of some areca palms; which, though young, and not twenty feet in height, were yet covered with fruit and freshly expanded blossoms, which shed a delicious perfume through the whole grove.