May 1829. ENGLEFIELD ISLAND—NO WATER. 995 
“13th. Raining so steadily all day, that it was useless to 
proceed: I could neither see my way, nor notice any thing 
but wind and rain. 
6° 14th. So mild was the weather, that I bathed this morn- 
ing, and did not find the water colder than I have felt it in 
autumn on the English coast ; its temperature, at a foot below 
the surface, averaged 42°; that of the air was 39°. From this 
place, Point Hamond, I saw seven points of the compass clear 
of land, my eye being twenty feet above the level of the sea. 
The water was quite salt, therefore we were certain of being 
in an unexpected inland sea, or large lagoon. Four miles from 
Point Hamond lie Englefield and Vivian Islands, rather low, 
but well wooded with evergreens. They are the only islands of 
any note in the Otway Water. The farthest point I could 
discern I called Cape Marvel, for much I wondered at the 
hitherto unsuspected extent of this inlet. 
*« At noon we were off the north end of Englefield Island. 
Mr. Stokes and I observed the sun’s meridian altitude satis- 
factorily from the boats, so smooth was the water. This quiet 
day was too fine, for it was hard work pulling from nine till 
five, without any help from sails. Towards evening a breeze 
sprung up in our favour, and with its assistance we ran along 
the land about ten miles. Taking advantage of the moonlight, 
I did not look out for a resting-place till past seven o'clock, 
when we had a great deal of trouble in landing; the coast 
having quite changed its character ; and instead of deep water 
with a rocky shore, we found a flat shingly beach and shoal 
water, with very large stones scattered between high and low 
water marks, so numerously as to make it dangerous for a 
boat, especially at night. Upon landing, we found the ground 
quite changed into a fine light soil, with stunted bushes and 
trees; and so dry was the wood, that a fire was easily kindled, 
but not a drop of water could be got any where to cook our 
supper. A considerable rise and fall of tide was observed, much 
greater than near Indian Channel. 
*© 15th. No breakfast this morning,’ for want of water—a 
decided proof of the change of climate and country. North of 
VOL. I. Q 
