154 WATERING BAY. [1846- 



Immediately on rounding the S.W. angle of the island, 

 a large sandy bay is formed with the Southern Point. 

 No less than three powerful streams were met, one of 

 which was of sufficient force to cut its channel through 

 a heavy sand-bank, three feet perpendicularly; and, 

 tracing its course inland, appeared, by the profusion of 

 floating timber, to be, in fact, a River. 



Our object being thus satisfied, the most convenient 

 spot for anchorage, as well as watering, had to be sought. 

 The greater portion of this bay is studded with rocks, 

 which, at dead low water, spring-tides would almost deter 

 a vessel from venturing near them : but the most eligible 

 spot will be found off the northern dry ledge, near to the 

 termination of the Casuarina trees, in the sandy bight. 

 Here the ' Samararig ' and ' Royalist ' found secure berths 

 within a quarter of a mile from the beach, in five and a 

 half fathoms, the boats landing at a smooth, but conve- 

 niently steep, sandy beach, within three hose lengths 

 of the reservoir. This watering-place was, in itself, a 

 natural curiosity ; from the north, behind the Casuarina 

 trees, and parallel to the shore, an extensive and deep 

 strip of water was barred from the sea, and much above 

 its level, by a barrier of sand, about thirty yards in 

 width, by at least six in height ; an unsuccessful attempt 

 was made, by cutting a deep drain, to draw off this, which 

 was salt, in the hope that fresh water would eventually 

 flow. Separated, only, by a mass of rock about twelve feet 

 wide, another strip from inland, nearly met this purely 

 fresh. From this latter we procured during the day 

 (8, A.M., until 7. 30, P.M.), eleven and a half hours, (all 

 boats up and in) forty tons, besides ' Royalist ', without 



