SOUTHERN BRANCH OF THE ADELAIDE. 421 



horizons, invented by Captain Becher, R.N.* It 

 being high water, and as the shore was lined with 

 an impenetrable growth of mangroves, we were 

 unable to land. In vain did I try, by cutting down 

 some of them, to find a rest for the artificial horizon 

 on one of the stumps ; they were so connected with 

 each other beneath the water, by a perfect net- 

 work of roots, that although several of the surround- 

 ing trees were felled, a tremulous motion was still 

 conveyed from a distance, and I consequently lost 

 the observation for latitude. 



The salt water arm of the Adelaide we found 

 had another branch, which took us eight miles in a 

 S. W. direction, terminating like the other, and at 

 low water being a mere ditch. There was nothinir 

 picturesque in following the windings of these 

 creeks or inlets ; a tall growth of mangroves with 

 their stems immersed, rendering the view limited 

 and wearisome. We, however, were urged on by 

 hope, being in momentary expectation that each 

 turn would bring' some change, while to add to the 

 zest of our proceedings we felt ourselves to be the 

 first Europeans who had traversed these parts. 



Now and then the deep stillness of nature would 

 be broken by the mournful cry of a curlew, disturbed 

 by the splash of the oars, while sometimes a heavy 

 flapping of wings was heard amid the mangroves, 



* I strongly recommend this ingenious invention to every 

 seaman. In foggy weather it will save hours of anxiety, and 

 may often prevent the horrors of shipwreck. 



