250 
A VOYAGE TO 
[South Coast. 
more favourable, and the contrary current less strong than in steer- 
ing a straight course toward Cape Leeuwin. But should the wind 
rise from the north-westward, with thick weather and a descent 
more than usually rapid in the marine barometer, a stretch off shore 
should immediately be made, to prepare for a south-west gale. A 
look-out must be kept for an island lying to the west-south-west of 
Cape Northumberland; it was seen by Mr. Turnbull, commander 
of the Britannia, south whaler, but the weather being thick, its 
situation was not well ascertained. According to the best informa- 
tion I could procure, this island lies in 38^° south, and about 139^° or f 
east longitude. 
From Kanguroo Island, a straight course may be made for the 
southernmost part of the Archipelago of the Recherche; but should 
the winds come from the westward and not blow a gale, or be light 
and unsteady, I would steer more northward, nearer to the land, in 
the hope of having them more favourable. From the Archipelago 
to Cape Leeuwin it seems best to keep at a distance from the land, 
unless under the necessity of stopping in that neighbourhood ; for the 
current runs strong near the shore, and with the advantage of an 
offing of twenty or thirty leagues, a ship may lie clear of the cape 
with a wind which might otherwise keep her beating for many days. 
There appears to be no place of shelter against western gales, 
between Bass' Strait and Kanguroo Island; but there are then, 
besides various anchorages under that island, the bays and coves at 
the entrance of Spencer's Gulph; and further westward, Coffin's 
Bay, Petrel Bay in the island St. Francis, and Fowler's Bay near the 
head of the Great Bight. Afterwards come Goose-Island Bay, 
Thistle's Cove, and the lee of Observatory Island, all in the Archi- 
pelago of the Recherche ; the cove cannot be entered in a gale, 
but when once secured in the south-west corner, a ship will be 
safe ; the other two places afford very indifferent shelter from 
strong winds, and are indeed fit only for a temporary anchorage 
111 moderate weather. Doubtful-Island Bay and King George's 
