a snorting noise, but did not eject water like the larger species of the whale tribe. A breeze on the morning of the 7th carried us to the south of the Mew Stone—a large conical rock a few miles from the shore. The mountains on the south coast are rugged, and some of them peaked. Patches of snow were lying on a lofty one near South Cape. Wood covered their sides and reached in some places to the water's edge. We were in danger of being driven into Bad Bay, after passing too close to the Acteon Reef,—possibly through an opening in it,—but were enabled to escape from this perilous position by a sudden change of wind accompanying a thunder storm. After being thus mercifully delivered from this peril, and having rounded the rocky islets fronting Tasman's Head, the wind, before daylight was quite gone, resumed its former position, and we proceeded up Storm Bay, along the east side of Bruny Island, as far as Fluted Cape—a fine mass of columnar basalt.—Having the advantage of a bright moon we continued our course until so dazzled by numerous fires of large extent, consuming the adjacent woods, as to be unable to see our way. The vessel was therefore kept "standing off and on" till day light.
Early in the morning of the 8th of 2nd mo. we entered the Derwent; and at a short distance from Hobart Town, took in a pilot, who brought us to anchor in Sulivans Cove. Our feelings were those of reverent thankfulness to the Great Preserver of men, for having brought us safely over the great deep; and our prayers earnest for the continuance of his care over us, and for ability to go in and out acceptably before him.
