1801.
December.
Saturday 12.
highest hill. When the ship was moored, Michaelmas Island was on with the north, and Break-sea Island with the south point of the entrance, and the highest hill bore N.E. by N. by compass. The least depth of water we had in passing the entrance, was 4 fathoms; but to those who may wish to go in, the plan in Plate II, of the Atlas, and a good look-out from the mast head, will be of more service than any written directions.
So soon as the ship was secured, I landed with the naturalists; and after fixing upon a place for our tents, ascended the highest hill to take angles. Amongst other objects, I perceived in the bearing of N. 87° 20′ W., two distant pieces of water, at the back of the bight near West Cape Howe; but whether they were lakes, or an inlet of the sea, could not be distinguished. Our tents, under the guard of a party of marines, were set up this evening; and in the morning,Sunday 13. the observatory and instruments were sent on shore, under the care of lieutenant Flinders, who had undertaken to assist me in performing the office of astronomer.
Marks of the country being inhabited were found every where, but as yet there was nothing to indicate the presence of the natives in our neighbourhood; I therefore allowed a part of the ship's company to divert themselves on shore this afternoon; and the same was done every Sunday during our stay in this harbour. On Monday,Monday 14. the topmasts were struck, and our various duties commenced; the naturalists ranged the country in all directions, being landed at such places as they desired; whilst my own time was divided betwixt the observatory and the survey of the sound.
Some smokes being perceived at the head of the harbour, Mr. Brown and other gentlemen directed their excursion that way, and met with several of the natives, who were shy but not afraid. One man with whom they had communication, was admired for his manly behaviour, and they gave him a bird which had been shot, and a pocket-handkerchief; but like the generality of people hitherto seen in this country, these men did not seem to be desirous of commu-