East Coast, Sf V. D. s Land.] INTRODUCTION. cliii 
and Bass. 
1798. 
13 fathoms did not reach the bottom. After advancing three miles, Flinders 
we approached a low, green island, lying nearly in mid-channel; 
and being uncertain which was the deepest side, I took the most 
direct, which lay to the west. From 8 fathoms, the next cast of the 
lead was g~, and immediately the sloop was aground. Fortunately, 
the bottom was soft, and the strong flood dragged her over the 
bank without injury. The water deepened again as quick ; and 
when the channel on the east side of Green Island was open, there 
was no bottom at 13 fathoms. 
We could not but remark the contrast between the shores of this 
inlet, covered with grass and wood down to the water's edge, and 
the rocky sterile banks observed in sailing up Port Jackson : it spoke 
favourably for the country, and added to the satisfaction we felt in 
having made the discovery. There was, however, little time for 
meditation : the tide drove the sloop rapidly onward to the basin ; 
and the evening coming on, I pushed between some dry rocks and a 
point on the western side, and anchored in 2 fathoms, on a bottom 
of sand and mud. 
There appeared to be three arms, or rivers, discharging them- 
selves into this extensive basin. That which came from the west- 
ward, had its embouchure close to the sloop ; and Mr. Bass went off 
in the boat to look up it. His attention was, however, soon called 
to another pursuit: a number of black swans were swimming before 
him, and judging from former experience in Western Port, that 
several of them were unable to fly, he gave chase with the boat. 
On his return at dusk, he rejoiced us with the sight of four, and 
with a promise that we should not be in want of fresh provisions in 
this port. 
Nov. 4. I landed Mr. Bass with two men, to examine the country, 
and then commenced a survey of the port by an examination of the 
Western Arm. It is narrow, and has not more in the entrance than 
3 fathoms, although, about one mile up, there be 7 near the star- 
bord shore. This arm is not accessible to ships beyond three miles; 
vol. 1. X 
