PASSAGE THROUGH TORRES STRAIT. 435 



had not had the same nourishment as those who 

 appeared amongst them as transient visitors, with 

 ruddy faces. The warmth of the climate in itself 

 conduces to intemperance, which to Europeans is 

 ever fatal. 



The Pelorus brought orders for the Britomart to 

 proceed to Sydney. Captain Stanley was anxious, 

 — with the westerly monsoon — to have attempted 

 the passage through Torres Strait, instead of going 

 round the west coast, as such a course might have 

 led to some discoveries in that neighbourhood ; a 

 result always in such a service of the utmost im- 

 portance. 



It is however to be regretted that the senior 

 officer did not approve of this plan, as the passage 

 has only once been made from the westward by 

 Captain Lihou, R.N., who having experienced some 

 difficulties reported unfavourably of it. The im- 

 portance of an intimate acquaintance with this route 

 will be better appreciated, when we reflect that ulti- 

 mately through this passage will the great traffic 

 be carried on. betv»^een our East Indian and 

 Australian possessions. 



During our visit to Port Essington, some of the 

 changes among our officers, mentioned in the be- 

 ginning of the work, took place. Mr. Forsyth 

 joined us from the Pelorus, and, from his know- 

 ledge of surveying, was a valuable addition to our 

 party. 



Having said so much in relation to Port Essington 

 2 F 2 



