8 HYDROGKAPHER S INSTRUCTIONS. 



" In carefully exploring the northernmost, and appa- 

 rently the safest entrance from the Pacific, which may be 

 called Bligh's Channel, you wiU connect the islands with 

 a survey of the coast of New Guinea, as well as with the 

 edge of the Warrior Reef, and as there are throughout 

 moderate soundings, you will probably be able to draw up 

 such clear directions as will enable the mariner to use it 

 in moderate weather by night, and to beat through it at 

 all times. Characteristic views of the coast and hills of 

 New Guinea, as well as of each island, both from the east- 

 ward and westward, will greatly assist him by the imme- 

 diate certainty of his landfall, and will also materially add 

 to your means of giving proper marks and bearings for 

 avoiding the dangers. 



" In Torres Strait you will find much to do ; — not only 

 has a new rock been discovered in the middle of the 

 Endeavour Channel, but the water in its western opening 

 is only four and a-half fathoms, and there seems no reason 

 for not beheving that Prince of Wales Channel is safer, 

 easier, and more direct. But before we can decide upon. 

 that point, an accurate survey must be made of it, through- 

 out its length and breadth, including the adjacent islands, 

 and showing their anchorages and watering-places, as well 

 as the nature of the soil, and the kind of timber they pro- 

 duce, along with a full investigation of the tides. 



" The connexion of that Strait with Bligh's Farewell 

 should also be examined, for many circumstances may ren- 

 der it highly necessary that the Admiralty should be made 

 aware of what means there are to pass from one ocean to 

 the other, without being observed from Cape York. 



" On this latter Cape Government have for some time 

 contemplated a station, and it wOl therefore be very desir- 

 able to fix upon a convenient but secure anchorage in its 

 neighbourhood. Our latest surveys do not show much 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



