ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS. 13 



them to the 143rd degree of longitude, as the 

 examination of the great field to the eastward of 

 that meridian must be left to some future survey 

 which shall include the barrier reefs and their 

 ramified openings from the Pacific Ocean. You 

 are, on the contrary, to proceed, if practicable, but 

 most cautiously, in examining the complicated 

 archipelago of rocks and islands which line the 

 northern side of Torres Strait, till, at length, 

 reaching New Guinea, you will there ascertain the 

 general character of that part of its shore, — 

 whether it be high and continuous, or broken into 

 smaller islands with available channels between 

 them, as has been asserted ; or whether, from being 

 guarded by the innumerable reefs and dangers 

 which are marked in the charts, it must remain 

 altooether sealed to the navifi^ator. The nature of 

 the country, as well as of its products, will also be 

 inquiries of considerable interest; and you will, 

 perhaps, be able to learn whether the Dutch have 

 made any progress in forming settlements along its 

 shores ; and if so, you will take especial care not 

 to come into collision with any of their authorities. 

 " Throughout the whole of this extensive region, 

 you will bear in mind the mischievous disposition 

 of the natives ; and while you strictly practise that 

 dignified forbearance and benevolence which tend 

 to impress far higher respect for our power than 

 the exercise of mere force, you will also be sedu- 

 lously on your guard against every surprise ; and 



