10 ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS. 



as it has been represented to us that it would be 

 very desirable for the perfection of the Tidal theory, 

 that an accurate register of the times and heights 

 of high and low water should be kept for some 

 time in Bass Strait, you will, (if practicable) estab- 

 lish a party for that purpose on King Island, and you 

 are to cause the above particulars of the Tides there 

 to be unintermittingly and minutely observed, and 

 registered in the blank forms which will be supplied 

 to you by our Hydrographer. If, however, circum- 

 stances should render this measure unadvisable at 

 that island, you will either choose some less objec- 

 tionable station, where the average tide in the 

 Strait may be fairly registered ; or, if you can 

 employ no permanent party on this service, you will 

 be the more exact in ascertaining the above parti- 

 culars at every one of your stations; and in all 

 parts of this Strait you will carefully note the set 

 and strength of the stream at the intermediate 

 hours between high and low water, and also the 

 time at which the stream turns in the offing. 



*' The survey of Bass Strait should include, 1st, a 

 verification of the two shores by which it is formed ; 

 — 2ndly, such a systematic representation of the 

 depth and quality of the bottom as will ensure to 

 any vessel, which chooses to sound by night or day, 

 a correct knowledge of her position ; — and, 3rdly, 

 a careful examination of the passages on either side 

 of King Island, as well as through the chains of 

 rocks and islands which stretch across from Wilson's 



