Chapter VII

THE ISLANDS OF ST. PAUL AND AMSTERDAM, IN THE SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN.

Former History.--Importance of the Situation of St. Paul.--
Present Inhabitants.--Preliminary Observations.--To whom do
the Islands belong?--Fisheries.--Hot springs.--Singular
Experiment.--Penguins.--Disembarkation.--Inclement Weather.--
Remarks on the Climate of the Island.--Cultivation of European
Vegetables.--Animal Life.--Library in a Fisherman's Hut.--
Narrative of old Viot.--Re-embarkation.--An official Document
left behind.--Some Results obtained during the Stay of the
Expedition.--Visit to the Island of Amsterdam.--Whalers.--
Search for a Landing-place.--Remarks on the Natural History of
the Islands.--A Conflagration.--Comparison of the Two
Islands.--A _Rencontre_ at Sea.--Trade-wind.--Christmas at
Sea.--"A man overboard!"--Cingalese Canoe.--Arrival at Point
de Galle, in Ceylon. 267