about two, and in the afternoon some of the crew went on shore to finish their washing. About ten at night the man on watch observed the small boat gone; the whaleboat was immediately sent in search of her.
Saturday, 26th.—About four o'clock in the morning the party that went in search of the boat returned without her, when another party was sent at daylight. The captain saw the boat at a small distance from the vessel; weighed anchor and took her in tow, and made a signal for the whaleboat to come alongside. Dropped anchor, and after breakfast the captain and Mr. Grimes went on shore; they returned about one, and in the afternoon weighed anchor and dropped down to the Heads and took in the whaleboat.
The most eligible place for a settlement that I have seen is on the
Freshwater River [Yarra] . In several places there are small tracts of good land, but they are without wood and water. I have every reason to think that there is not often so great a scarcity of water as at present from the appearance of the herbage. The country in general is excellent pasture and thin of timber, which is mostly low and crooked. In most places there is fine clay for bricks, and abundance of stone. I am of opinion that the timber is better both in quality and size further up the country, as I saw some what is called ash on the banks of the Freshwater River, and the hills appear to be clothed with wood. As to the quantity of good land at the different places, I shall be better able to describe when I am favored with a sight of a chart, as I have not been permitted to see one since I came out. There is great plenty of fish in Port King. The country in general is newly burnt. Sunday, 21th.—Anchor up at sunrise; cleared the Heads between seven and eight o'clock; about one off Western Port; a fine breeze in the afternoon.
Monday, 28th.— The breeze continued all night. This morning saw Wilson's Promontory, Rock Dunder (Rodondo), Curtis's Island, with several small islands. A fine breeze all the day; at night out of sight of land.
Tuesday, March 1st.—A calm in the morning; about noon saw land from the mast-head, supposed to be Point Hicks. Contrary wind all day.
Wednesday, 2nd.—In the morning saw Ram's Head. The shore from Point Hicks to Ram's Head is sand hills, further inland high hills covered with timber. The wind continued at north-east, and soon after twelve lay to, there being a wind and sea; out of sight of land at dusk.
Thursday, 3rd.—The wind abated in the night. At sunrise opposite to the shore we were at when the vessel lay to; a calm hazy day; could see little of the shore.
