sounded in sixty-three fathoms, gray sand and broken shells. At day-light we saw Cape Maria bearing S. by W. ½ W. (true), and Cape North was soon afterwards seen as we stood to the eastward. We now experienced squally weather as we closed the land, and the wind backing to the eastward we were unable to fetch along the coast, and were therefore employed during the rest of the day contending with the wind, but making very little progress towards our desired port, owing to the north-easterly swell which prevailed.
At noon Cape North bore S. 56º E. (true), distant about eight miles; the range of hills of which it forms the termination rises to the elevation of 1130 feet above the level of the sea; and a peaked mountain, bearing S. 10º W. attains nearly 1000 feet. The rest of the coast is of very inconsiderable height, seldom exceeding four to six hundred feet, and in some places so low as, at a distance, to give the appearance of a separation. At 5 p.m., we sounded in thirty-two fathoms, shingle and broken shells, Cape North bearing S. 71º W., between two and three miles distant. Beating along the coast, we found the soundings sufficiently regular to be a safe guide, even during foggy weather; but under such circumstances it is to be avoided if possible, the tides being strong and irregular, and the survey of the shores very imperfect.
Aug. 17.The wind continued adverse during the night, and the whole of the next day, so that it was not