104 
A VOYAGE TO 
[ East Coast. 
1802. 
October. 
marks to be given for it, are, the latitude i8° 52', longitude 14,8 2 , 
variation 6° east with the ship’s head north or south, and the sound- 
ings. When right off the opening, bottom will be found at from 
70 to 40 fathoms before any reefs come in sight ; whereas, if breakers 
be seen and no soundings can be obtained, it may be certainly con- 
cluded that the ship is not in the fair way for this opening, and pro- 
bably, that no large opening exists in that part of the barrier. On 
getting soundings and afterwards making the reefs near the situa- 
tion above given, a ship should push through the first opening of two 
miles wide that presents itself, and steer south-westward amongst 
the inner reefs for the land ; and it will not be many hours, perhaps 
minutes, before she will find smooth water and anchoring ground. 
The commander who proposes to make the experiment, must not, 
however, be one who throws his ship’s head round in a hurry, so 
soon as breakers are announced from aloft ; if he do not feel his 
nerves strong enough to thread the needle, as it is called, amongst 
the reefs, whilst he directs the steerage from the mast head, I would 
strongly recommend him not to approach this part of New South 
Wales. 
