East Coast, Sf V. B'.s Land.} INTRODUCTION. 
xci 
The brig Mercury, commanded by John Henry Cox, Esq., an- Cox. 
chored at the entrance of a deep bay on the south side of Van 1789 
Diemen's Land, on July 3, 1789. This bay was then first discovered, 
and lies N. by W. ten miles from the Mewstone* The country was 
found to be agreeably interspersed with hills and vallies, and some 
of the hills were luxuriantly clothed with trees to their very summits. 
About four miles from the vessel, there was a stream of fresh water; 
and close to it stood a hut, or rather hovel, neatly constructed of 
branches of trees and dried leaves. " Around it were scattered a 
" great quantity of pearl, escalop, oyster, and other shells, which had 
" been lately roasted." The fasces of some large animal were met 
with in every direction ; but neither the animal itself nor any of the 
natives could be found. 
July 5. A heavy swell from the southward obliged Mr. Cox to 
get under way ; and he worked along shore to the eastward. His 
intention was to put into Adventure Bay ; but being set to the north- 
ward of his reckoning, on the 8th, he discovered, and came to an 
anchor in Oyster Bay, on the inner side of Maria's Island, the 
shelter there being found secure, and wood and water plentiful. This 
bay lies in 42 0 42' south, and 148 0 25' east, and not more than three 
or four leagues to the northward of Tasman's Frederik Hendrik's 
Bay ; though Mr. Cox, following in the error of captain Furneaux, 
seems to have had no idea of this proximity. 
Some communication was obtained with the inhabitants of the 
island; but as nothing in this, or in other respects, was found 
materially different to what was observed by Mons. Marion and 
captain Cook in the neighbouring bays, it is unnecessary to enter 
into the details. 
The French rear-admiral, Bruny D'Entrecasteaux, made the D'Entf 
coast of Van Diemen's Land with the intention of procuring wood c " 7^ 
* Observations, fyc, made during a voyage in the brig Mercury ; by Lieut. G. 
Mortimer of the Marines. London, 1791. 
