an island in the mouth of the channel of Japan, subject to the king of Corea. Before the last voyage of the unfortunate La Perouse, this island was only known to the Europeans by the wreck of the Dutch ship Sparrow-hawk, in the year 1635. Some of the crew of this ship were kept prisoners for about 18 years, during which period they were often severely treated; but having found means to escape to Japan, and from thence to Batavia, they at last arrived in safety at Amsterdam. La Perouse discovered the island on the 21st of May 1787, the south point of which is in N. Lat. 33° 14', and E. Long. 124° 15' from Paris. The land has a gradual slope towards the sea, which makes the habitations assume the appearance of an amphitheatre. The soil appeared to be highly cultivated, and the divisions of fields were perceived by the assistance of glasses, which afforded a convincing proof of an extensive population. It is unfortunately inhabited by a people who are prohibited from all intercourse with strangers, and who make slaves of all those who have the misfortune to suffer shipwreck on their coasts.