246 
A VOYAGE TO 
[South Coast. 
proper for making a survey; whereas those favourable to the oppo- 
site route frequently blow strong, and render it dangerous to keep in 
with the land. As to making a survey of the South Coast in the 
winter season, which had been judged from theoretical analogy to 
be the most proper time, it appears to be not only a dangerous ex- 
periment, but also one from which very little accuracy of investiga- 
tion could be expected ; and with as much ardour as most men 
for such pursuits, I should very unwillingly undertake the task. 
These observations upon the danger of sailing along the South 
Coast in the winter season, are not meant to apply to the commander 
of a ship desirous of going eastward through Bass' Strait, and of 
seeing no more of the land than is necessary to assure his situation. 
The strait may be passed without more than very common danger, 
at any time of the year, provided that the navigator be certain of his 
latitude before approaching the longitude of 143!° ; he should not, 
however, enter the strait in the night, unless he have previously 
seen the land, or be certain both of latitude and longitude. The 
parallel of gg 9 , or 39° 20', according as the wind may incline, is 
the best for taking a ship between King's Island and Cape Otway ; 
and a sight of either, or preferably of both, will point out his position 
on the chart. The sole danger to be apprehended here, is the Har- 
binger's Reefs, two patches lying nearly two leagues out from the 
north end of King's Island ; but are so far separated from it, and 
from each other, as to leave practicable passages between them, 
where the shoalest water found by the Cumberland schooner was 
9 fathoms. 
(Atlas, When the position of the ship at the entrance of the strait is 
late vi.) ascerta j nec j } a course should be shaped for Curtis' Island, which will 
be visible ten or eleven leagues from the deck in fine weather ; and 
as the distance is between forty and fifty leagues, and nothing lies 
in the way, a part of it may be run in the night, with a good look-out. 
I would afterwards pass on the south side of Kent's Groups, at not 
a greater distance from the largest than two leagues ; and then steer 
