258 PASSAGE THROUGH ENDEAVOUR STRAIT. 



a westerly course. In crossing the ridge extending 

 off Cape Cornwall, the least water was 3^ fathoms 

 *at low tide ; North Wallis Island bearing S. 64° E. 

 seven miles. There still, however, appeared to be 

 more water to the southward, which determined 

 me to examine this passage more minutely on my 

 return from the Gulf. A course was now held for 

 Booby Island, where we anchored in the evening, 

 (the 23rd.) 



It was my intention, in order that we might com- 

 mence our exploration of the Gulf with a good sup- 

 ply, to have searched for water in Port Lihou, on 

 the south side of Cook Island, in Endeavour Strait ; 

 but the ships in company being able to supply us the 

 delay was avoided. Since our last visit, the book 

 at the Post Office, on Booby Island, had been 

 destroyed by some mischievous visitors, and the box 

 was in a very dilapidated state. We repaired the 

 latter, and left a new book with a supply of pens 

 and ink. 



A ton or two of water was also procured from 

 some holes in the rocks on the island. I have 

 before spoken of the heaps of stone which Captain 

 King concluded were erected by seamen ; but 

 Dr. Wilson, in his Voyage round the World, men- 

 tions some cairns of stone on certain islands to the 

 northward, not previously visited by Europeans, 

 and which must have therefore been the work of 

 natives. 



Mr. Bynoe was fortunate enough to procure two 



