March 23 Summary and Analysis

In the morning, the Western Flyer sails to San Jose Island, where they had planned their next collecting stop. However, the island appears blackened and with little life from a distance. When they go ashore, they find that this impression is accurate and there is not much of interest to collect. Even the approach is difficult, and in spite of much coaxing and flattery, the Sea-Cow refuses to cooperate. The shoreline is rocky and difficult to approach. When they land, they find that the natives must be smoking meat on the island, as they find fire-rings, fuel, clam- and turtle-shells, and piles of turtle meat. There is no indication of why this island has been chosen for this activity, as it is not convenient nor are any of the raw materials available near the beach.

Angry at the Sea-Cow for not...