298 BELL ROCK. 



combined with the dazzling effect of the ^ 

 sun's rays a-head, was the cause of our s 

 grounding for a short time near the inner w 

 entrance. It was, therefore, noon next 

 day before we were again outside, when 

 we steered across for the north end of 

 King Island. 



January 26. — In passing Franklin 

 Road the next morning, we saw a 

 cutter at anchor, doubtless the colonial 

 vessel which is occasionally allowed to visit 

 Captain Smith, and afford him supplies. 

 We passed down four miles from the 

 western side of King Island, carrying an 

 outline of soundings, varying from 40 to 

 50 fathoms ; and in the evening anchored 

 in Fitzmaurice Bay. Next morning we 

 proceeded in search of Bell Rock,* lying 

 in the middle of the south entrance of | 



Bass Strait, eight miles S. from the 

 northern and largest of Reid's Rocks ; p 



but there being only a light air stirring m 



from the westward, we were almost whollv . M 

 at the mercy of the tide, which carried us ^ J 

 midway between its assigned position and ^ 

 the last-mentioned dangers. We passed | 



near several small eddies and slight 

 whirlpools, in which no bottom was ^ 



o* 

 CO 



* A rock was seen iu H. M. S. Conway, five •^ 

 miles W.S.W. from Bell Rock, 



P 



