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[Page 9]
As for the flax, I can only say, there is an abundance of it in all parts of the Sea Coast of this Island, (but not inland) and is generally believed here, will never be of that importance as supposed in England. The Woods are very thick, and interwoven throughout with a peculiar Vine, so much so, in many places, as to render it difficult of access. There is some little variety of Birds, a Parrot, Paroquet, Pidgeon, Dove, Hawk, and Owl, with many small Birds. The Parrot is very curios; the Paroquet common, with no great share of Beauty: The Pidgeon beautiful; the Dove delicate; the Owl and Hawk quite common. Amongst the small Birds, there is but one worthy of note, which is not unlike a Robin, having a rich vermillion Breast. The only quadruped is a Rat, and those rather diminutive. For the Position of this Bay, the Islands &c, I refer you to the Chart, which, though very small induced with care and accuracy. I cannot say a single Word in favor of the Roads, being perfectly open, the Tides strong and irregular, the bottom foul through-out, and, by no means, fit for anchoring. The Winds which bring the Ships here are the same which occasion the high Surfs; therefore it rarely happens that you can have any Communications with them the two or three first Days.
The landing is dangerous to a degree, at almost all times. And this is the only place where Provisions can be landed with Safety and Convenience. I cannot help taking notice of the ill-natured account of the unfortunate loss of Mr Cunninghame in this Island, it is not only pointed, but stained with a Tinge of Acrimony, and the whole laid to his misconduct and imprudence. Whoever this Account is written by, I am sure it is not from Mr King (that is