TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
Barrier Reefs.~\ 
97 
returned ; and Mr. Murray spared us his old launch, to replace, in isos, 
some sort, the cutter we had lost in Strong-tide Passage. Nan- Sunday *17 
barre, one of the two natives, having expressed a wish to go back to 
Port Jackson, was sent to the Lady Nelson in the morning, with two Monday is, 
seamen exchanged for the same number of that vessel’s crew; and 
Mr. Denis Lacy, who had been lent, returned back to the Investiga- 
tor. I wrote to His Excellency governor King, an account of our 
proceedings and discoveries upon the East Coast ; and requested a 
new boat might be built against our return to Port Jackson, and that 
the brig should be repaired and equipped ready to accompany me in 
the following year. 
At nine o’clock we got under way, and showed our colours to 
bid farewell to the Lady Nelson ; she steered southward for the 
Cumberland Islands, whilst our course was directed north-east, close 
to the wind. The brig was not out of sight when more reefs were 
discovered, extending from east to N. N. W.; and in pursuance of 
my plan to avoid small openings, we bore away to run along their 
inner side. At noon, the latitude was 19 0 58' 20", and longitude by 
time keeper, 149 0 37' east. Reefs extended from E. \ N. to S. - E., 
at the distance of one to three miles; and there were separate patches 
somewhat further, bearing W. by N. J- N. and N. N. E. Between 
the first and last bearing was an opening of a good appearance, and 
we hauled up for it; but the water having shoaled to 12 fathoms, 
though no breakers were seen a-head, we kept away again; and 
from that time till evening, passed a variety of reefs, hauling up 
between them to look into the openings, and bearing away when 
repulsed. None of these banks were dry, nor was there much 
breaking water upon them ; which made it probable that they were 
far within the outer line of the barrier. 
The breeze was fresh at south-east, and by sunset we had run 
eleven leagues upon various courses to the north-westward, with 
fSoundings from 14 to 33 fathoms; the bottom being rocky in the 
VOL. ir. O 
