Bass' Strait'] 
TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
211 
Latitude observed, - - g8° 22' 
Longitude by time keepers, - 144 giZ, 
Cane Schanck, - - S. 68" E. 
The rocky point, distant 6 or 7 miles, N. 48 E. 
Highest of two inland peaks, - N. 15 W. 
A square-topped hill near the shore, N. 28 W. 
Extr. of the high land towards C. Otway, S. 56 W. 
On the west side of the rocky point there was a small open- 
ing, with breaking water across it ; however, on advancing a little 
more westward the opening assumed a more interesting aspect, and 
I bore away to have a nearer view r . A large extent of water pre- 
sently became visible within side ; and although the entrance seemed 
to be very narrow, and there were in it strong ripplings like 
breakers, I was induced to steer in at half past one ; the ship being 
close upon a wind and every man ready for tacking at a moment's 
warning. The soundings were irregular between 6 and 12 fathoms, 
until we got four miles within the entrance, when they shoaled quick 
to <i\. We then tacked ; and having a strong tide in our favour, 
worked to the eastward between the shoal and the rocky point, 
with 1 2 fathoms for the deepest water. In making the last stretch 
from the shoal, the depth dimini hed from 10 fathoms quickly to 
3 ; and before the ship could come round, the flood tide set her 
upon a mud bank, and she stuck fast. A boat was lowered down 
to sound ; and finding the deep water lie to the north-west, a kedge 
anchor was carried out; and having got the ship's head in that 
direction, the sails were filled and she drew off into 6 and 10 
fathoms ; and it being then dark, we came to an anchor. 
The extensive harbour we had thus unexpectedly found I 
supposed must be Western Port, although the narrowness of the 
entrance did by no means correspond with the width given to it by 
Mr. Bass. It was the information of captain Baudin, who had 
coasted along from thence with fine weather, and had found no 
inlet d any kind, which induced this supposition ; and the very 
1802. 
April. 
Monday 26. 
