King George's Sound.} TERRA AUSTRALIA 57 
highest hill. When the ship was moored, Michaelmas Island was isoi. 
on with the north, and Break-sea Island with the south point of the saSyTa. 
entrance, and the highest hill bore N. E. by N. by compass. The 
least depth of water we had in passing the entrance, was 4 fathoms ; 
but to those who may wish to go in, the plan in Plate II, of the Atlas, 
and a good look-out from the mast head, will be of more service 
than any written directions. 
So soon as the ship was secured, I landed with the naturalists; 
and after fixing upon a place for our tents, ascended the highest 
hill to take angles. Amongst other objects, I perceived in the bear- 
ing of N. 87 0 20' W., two distant pieces of water, at the back of the 
bight near West Cape Howe ; but whether they were lakes, or an 
inlet of the sea, could not be distinguished. Our tents, under the 
guard of a party of marines, were set up this evening ; and in the 
morning, the observatory and instruments were sent on shore, under Sunday 13. 
the care of lieutenant Flinders, who had undertaken to assist me in 
performing the office of astronomer. 
Marks of the country being inhabited were found every where, 
but as yet there was nothing to indicate the presence of the natives 
in our neighbourhood ; I therefore allowed a part of the ship's com- 
pany to divert themselves on shore this afternoon ; and the same 
was" done every Sunday during our stay in this harbour. On Monday, Monday w. 
the topmasts were struck, and our various duties commenced ; the 
naturalists ranged the country in all directions, being landed at such 
places as they desired ; whilst my own time was divided betwixt the 
observatory and the survey of the sound. 
Some smokes being perceived at the head of the harbour, Mr. 
Brown and other gentlemen directed their excursion that way, and 
met with several of the natives, who were shy but not afraid. One 
man with whom they had communication, was admired for his manly 
behaviour, and they gave him a bird which had been shot, and a 
pocket-handkerchief; but like the generality of people hitherto seen 
in this country, these men did not seem to be desirous of commu- 
