352 OBSTRUCTION SOUND. April 1830. 
distinguish any decided stream of tide, and the rise and fall 
did not appear to have ever exceeded a foot: that there was a 
slight tidal movement of the water seemed evident, from the 
streams of foam coming from the cascades ; and also from the 
fallen leaves which were borne on the water, from the shores of 
the bays, in long lines; but signs like these are indicative of 
there being no strength of tide: I have frequently noticed such 
appearances in large sounds, or inlets, but never in any channel 
where there was a current. 
“The bays between Hope Promontory and Point Intervene 
are frequented by immense numbers of black-necked swans 
(Anser nigricollis) : hundreds were seen together; they ap- 
peared not at all wild when we first passed; but, on our return, 
there was no approaching them within musket shot. Many 
ducks and coots were also observed. On a rock, near the Oliver 
Islands, was a small ¢ rookery’ of hair-seal ; and, in our progress 
down the sound, we passed some few shags and divers. ‘This 
is the enumeration of all we saw, and these few species seem 
to possess, undisturbed, this Obstruction Sound; for we neither 
observed any wigwams, nor saw any traces of inhabitants. 
«‘ Having no interest in remaining, after some necessary 
angles were taken on Meta Islet, we commenced our return ; 
and, with a fair wind, made good progress, landing only where 
it was necessary for angles, and reached the vessel on the evening 
of the next day (16th). I have fully stated the examination of 
this sound, and have been, perhaps, unnecessarily particular 
and diffuse; but I think that when its near approach to the 
Skyring Water is known by others, it will be considered very 
singular that no communication exists between them. ‘To every 
one on board the Adelaide it was a great disappointment. The 
only inlet now remaining to be explored was through the 8.S.E. 
opening, east of Point Return; which, on the 18th, I went to 
examine. Mr. Kirke returned on the same day as myself, having 
traced the coast as far as he had been directed, and found the 
large expanse of Disappointment Bay nearly bounded by a flat 
- stony beach ; and the water so shallow, that even his whale- 
boat could seldom approach the shore within a quarter of a 
