64 EETURN TO SYDNEY. 



Upstart on our return to the southward^ working* 

 down the coast against a strong- trade-wind^ the Asp 

 keeping* in shore to survey the neighbourhood of the 

 coast hne^ imperfectly and erroneously laid down 

 upon the Admiralty chart. We had calms and 

 light winds A^ith thick rainy weather in the morning. 

 While in Whitsunday Passaofe, a small hark canoe 

 with two natives came off to within a quarter of a 

 mile of the ship^ shouting loudly and making* 

 gestures to attract attention^ but we did not stop ; 

 in fact^ ever}^ moment now was precious^ as we 

 Avere upon reduced allowance of water. Soon after 

 noon we anchored in Port MoUe^ and next day the 

 Asp was stripped and hoisted inboard. 



Dec, 21st. — Since we left Port MoUe^ the winds 

 have been variable from the nortliA^ard and east- 

 ward^ with calms^ and the weather quite unsettled 

 with occasional rain. While nearly becalmed, 

 several opportunities were afforded for dredging 

 from the ship^ and many new and curious marine 

 animals were procured. To-day we had the wind 

 from E.S.E.^ gradually freshening to a moderate 

 gale with the sea getting* up^ and in the evening* it 

 was judged expedient to bear up and run for an 

 anchorage under the largest Keppel's Isle^ where 

 we broug'ht up in five and a half fathoms^ sand. A 

 line of breaking water a quarter of a mile to 

 leeward, was afterwards found to be caused by a 

 dangerous reef not indicated upon the chart^ where^ 



