After having thus completed our duties on Lakor in as short a time as possible, we pursued our voyage to Luan, and stood towards the reefs which enclose that island, with the view of passing over them. Here I had another opportunity of proving that implicit confidence was not to be placed in the pilot, who had assured me that he was well acquainted with the place; for, while standing towards the reefs under easy sail, our depth suddenly decreased to four fathoms, and the anchor, which was immediately let go, had scarcely touched the ground, when it was found that there were only sixteen feet water under the bows. Had it not been for our cautious mode of proceeding, the brig would assuredly have been run upon the rocks. Fortunately the wind was favourable, and the anchor was soon weighed again, when we stood out to sea. The boats were sent away to look out for a channel, but as none was discovered, I determined to stand off and on with the brig. The island Luan, which is about fourteen miles in circumference, being high, is visible at a considerable distance. An extensive reef, studded with islets, surrounds it, within which there is a depth of two fathoms, affording good anchorage to small trading vessels. The islets to the north-east of Luan are about four miles distant from the main island. Close outside these the reef is steep to, so that they may be safely approached by a ship. Luan is inhabited by from two hundred to three hundred families, who reside in villages placed very near to each other on the north-east side of the island, at the foot of the mountain. The adjacent islets are not peopled, but they are occasionally visited by the inhabitants of Luan, who have gardens on them, while they also afford a resting place to those engaged in the trepang fishery.