black-sand pasture, thin of timber, consisting of gum[1], oak, Banksia and thorn. Saw the scaites of some lagoons, all dry except one salt one; the land is about a mile and a half over; came on board in the afternoon.
Saturday, 22nd.—All hands up at daylight. The captain went sounding; on his return Mr. Grimes, doctor and self, two marines and two assistants to the surveyor went on shore; as we went on met with two huts, apparently built by Europeans; a little farther met with fresh water in a swamp[2] about fifty yards from the beach; farther on a small run of water. The country level; timber as the preceding day. Saw three natives at a distance; they made off as we approached them.
Sunday, 23rd.—Early in the morning the same party as yesterday, with the addition of the captain, went on shore; we ascended a high hill f the land good until we got near the top, where it is stony. On the north and south sides of the hill there are from 2,000 to 3,000 acres of good land, a specimen of which is taken. Mr. Bobbins and self went to the top of a hill[3] it appeared fine land at a distance, but only stones and short brush as we approached it; saw Western Port distinctly from the top of it; we supposed it to be about five miles from the beach. Returned through an extensive swamp.[4] On the side of the hill met with two dingles with some fresh water in deep holes. Mr. Grimes and the others took another way at the bottom of the first hill; we found them on board at our return. The country all newly burnt. Caught plenty of fish; a shark took a mariner's jacket out of the boat.
Monday, 24th.—At seven o'clock the same party as on the 22nd went to continue the survey. At three miles a swamp, several runs of water, only one good, and all blocked up at the beach. The rest of this day's journey hills, rocky land,[5] light black sand, fine grass, and the trees low and scrubby. Several dingles on the side of the hills; found a little water in two holes.
Tuesday, 24th.—Having a sore foot stopped on board. Mr. Grimes and party went on shore at the usual time, and continued the survey till about two o'clock. From what the doctor informed me the land as on the preceding day; looked over seeds and specimens, &c.
Wednesday, 26th.—The Captain, Grimes, doctor, self, and three seamen set off for Western Port; at two miles a swamp[6] without trees, and fine grass; over a swell another of the same sort. Found no water till we came near the Port; saw some ducks, which was a sign of water; made to the place; it was salt, but I went a little further up and found it fresh. I stopped there with one man, and the Captain, Mr. Grimes, and another went on to the Port;[7] they got into a swamp and did not reach the beach in two hours; they returned, and after dinner we returned back the course we came. Previous to our reaching the water the doctor was so fatigued for want of water that he could not go on; he was left with a man, gun and compass, to make the best of his way back to the vessel. He sent the man off to the
