As soon after the first term-day observations 1841. were completed, as other duties admitted, I availed myself of the liberal offer of Mr. Blackett to place his yacht, the "Albatross," at my service, to enable me to extend the magnetical observations some distance along the coast, to visit, and determine the position of, the south-west cape—a desideratum of great importance—and to make a survey of the great bank on which we had struck soundings at a distance of nearly one hundred miles from the coast, and which, from the nature of the ground, I believe likely to prove a valuable fishery to the colony. Both the latter purposes were frustrated by a continuance of unfavourable weather, and from finding the rigging of the vessel to be so slight, and so much weakened by long disuse, as to unfit her for contending against the rough weather that at this season of the year prevails along the southern shore of the island. Commander Crozier accompanied me on this excursion, which we were unable to extend beyond Recherche Bay, owing to the loss of our top-mast and straining the head of the main-mast.
The examination of the numerous fine harbours in the Channel of Entrecasteaux occupied us several days, but their full description is unsuited to a place in this narrative. It may be sufficient here to state that the channel affords excellent anchorage in all parts of it, and the access to it has been rendered perfectly safe and easy by the beautiful light-house which has recently been erected on