ttEte SOUTH WALES. 249 



CIIAt\ viii. 



O n the 7th of October, the Semiramis and Argo 

 sailed for China; and the Nautilus Brig, with the 

 Norfolk long-boat, sailed for Van Diemen's 

 land. The Nautilus, which had been in ex- 

 treme distress for every kind of repair, was com- 

 pletely refitted ; but as two men, who had the 

 care of the cargo with which she was sent out 

 from India, had been very unfortunate through 

 the bad state of their vessel, they were deter- 

 mined to try during this season, how produc- 

 tive the seal-fishing among the islands to the 

 Southward would prove. 



On the 8th sailed the Francis for Norfolk 

 Islaud, with a few women and stores. It was 

 intended she should on her return, examine a 

 shoal on the Northward of Lord Howe Island, 

 and, if possible, ascertain the situation of an 

 island discovered by Lieut. Shortiand, in the 

 Alexander transport, and named by him Sir 

 Charles Middle ton Island. Lieut. John Short- 

 land, of the Reliance, son of the before-men- 

 tioned officer, was sent in the Francis, charged 

 with the direction of the vessel on that service. 



On board the Norfolk sailed Lieut. Flinders 

 and Mr. Bass, who were instructed to examine 



K K 



