352 RETURN TO PORT ESPINGTON. 



tion, in either monsoon, Timor Laut will be much 

 frequented by the settlers at Port Essington, in 

 order to procure the tropical productions abounding 

 there, which they would not find on the Australian 

 coasts. The Arrou islands, for the same reason, 

 will hold out great inducements to traders, as the 

 timber found there is infinitely superior, for most 

 purposes, to any found on the Coburg peninsula. 



As our provisions were running short, and the 

 time had arrived when we were expected to return 

 to the settlement, I had not time to stop to examine 

 several places I wished to see, particularly the 

 southern part of the island of Timor Laut, where 

 from information we received at Banda, a very large 

 and secure harbour is said to exist, available in both 

 monsoons. The island of Serra was another point, 

 as it is stated to be a very good place for obtaining 

 supplies. 



In crossino^ over to Australia we saw Timor Laut, 

 off which we experienced a very fresh S. E. breeze 

 and a heavy sea, which continuing to prevail with a 

 strong current setting to leeward, v»e were in 

 consequence eight days reaching Port Essington, 

 where we found that all had gone on well during 

 our absence. 



