May 1829. englefield island — no water. 



" 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. 



" 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 



