86 A VOYAGE TO [South Coast. 
1802. for the purpose of taking bearings. The latitude observed to the 
ThuSJu. north was 3^° 2 '' and lon S itude 122 ° 3 6 '- A chain of islands and 
breakers lay about two miles to the northward ; and amongst the 
cluster to the east were two islands with peaks upon them, which, 
from their similarity, were named the Twins : the southernmost 
and nearest bore E. 7°N., three leagues. The nearest part of the 
main land was a projection with hills upon it which had been set 
from Lucky Bay, whence it is nearly five leagues distant ; the 
intermediate space being a large bight with a low, sandy coast at 
the back, and containing many small islands and breakers. To the 
eastward of the hilly projection, the coast seemed again to be sandy ; 
but although our distance from it was not more than six or seven 
miles, it was scarcely visible through the haze. 
After the bearings were obtained, we bore away along the 
south side of the chain of islands and rocks ; and at half past 
one steered north-east to look for a place of shelter, either amongst 
the cluster near the Twins, or in the opposite main land. The 
water shoaled amongst the small islands, from 30 to 10 fathoms, 
and suddenly to 3, when the bottom was distinctly seen under the 
ship. The next cast was 7 fathoms, and we steered on eastward 
for two islets three-quarters of a mile asunder, between which the 
master was sent to sound. On his making the signal we followed 
through, having 20 fathoms, and afterwards hauled the wind to the 
south-east, seeing no hope of shelter either amongst the islands or 
near the main land. The coast stretched eastward with little 
sinuosity, and was sandy, but not so low as before. 
At six o'clock we had some larger, flat islands to windward, 
and in the east-south-east was one much higher and of greater ex- 
tent, which proved to be the J. du Milieu ( Middle Island ) of D'En- 
trecasteaux. Betwixt this island and his Cap Aride on the main, 
there were many small isles and apparently passages; and we there- 
fore bore away in the hope of finding anchorage against the 
approaching night. Many patches of breakers were passed; and 
