SUUVEY THE ANCHORAGE. ^7'^ 



added to the zest with which we prosecuted our 

 subsequent researches. On duly weighing these 

 considerations in my mind I determined to make 

 an accurate survey of this anchorage, including 

 Sweers and the eastern portion of Bentinck Island ; 

 and to despatch two boats to examine the group of 

 islands to the north-west, and the main land from 

 thence to abreast of the south-west end of Bentinck 

 Island. On the morning of the 9th, accordingly, 

 Messrs. Forsyth and Parker proceeded with the 

 whale boats on this service. 



Near Point Inscription, I found a native skull 

 on the shore, with fore arm, left tibia, and a portion 

 of the inferior maxillary. They must have been ex- 

 posed some time, as they were very nearly destroyed 

 by the action of the air. How they could have 

 come in this situation was a mystery, as there was 

 nothing indicating a place of burial. 



On the eastern Point of Bentinck Island a number 

 of rafts were seen, which suggested the name of Raft 

 Point. We also on one occasion perceived some 

 natives at a distance. 



Mount Inspection being the highest land in the 

 neighbourhood, became the principal station of the 

 survey. From it a glimpse was got of the main 

 land, bearing S. ly^'W. about eighteen miles. The 

 north-eastern end of the island, also, could be seen, 

 fronted with rocky ledges extending three quarters 

 of a mile off. This hill is a mass of calcareous 

 rock, similar to the high parts of Bountiful Island, 



VOL. II. T 



