352 CAPK FLINDERS. 



being struck by the strange manner in which piles 

 of reddish coloured stones are scattered about in the 

 utmost confusion, and in every possible direction 

 over this high ridge. I much regretted that on 

 passing next morning there was no opportunity of 

 landing to see the nature of this confused mass ; 

 judging, however, from the result of my examina- 

 tion of a similar appearance presented by Depuch 

 Island on the north-west coast, 1 believe this point 

 to be of volcanic orio^in. 



Between the rocks off Cape Melville, and a 

 reef encircling two small islets, the channel is 

 not more than a mile in width : indeed, I con- 

 sider passing this point and Cape Flinders the 

 most intricate part of the inner route. After 

 rounding the rocks off the former we steered for 

 the latter Cape, keeping it a little on the port 

 bow ; this course led us on reef a., lying midway 

 between the Cape and a low island to the N. E. 

 When on the southern extremity Cape Flinders 

 bore S. 70° W. 3 miles, and Clack Island N. 39° W. 

 The latter is a remarkable cliffy lump, interesting 

 from the circumstance of Mr. Cunningham having 

 found native drawings in its caves. 



After clearing this danger, and passing the 

 Cape, we steered across Princess Charlotte Bay, 

 keeping wide to the southward of the reefs fronting 

 it, in order that we might the more easily dis- 

 tinguish them ; the sun at that time of the day 

 being in the direction of the ship's head. The 



