TERRA AUSTRALIS. 
1 G 7 
JPellew's Group .] 
of examining that island, which appeared to be the most interesting, 180,3 - 
^ December. 
as it was the largest of the group. Besides three rocky islets, lying Sunday 19. 
off the west side of the cape, there is a small island one mile to the 
south-west, and I sought to anchor behind it ; but being prevented 
by a shoal which extends southward from the island, the anchor was 
dropped half a mile without side, in 4^ fathoms, muddy ground. 
After the latitude had been observed, and bearings taken from 
the island, we crossed over in the boat to Cape Vanderlin. There 
was a depth of 4 to 7 fathoms between them, with a passage leading 
in from the north, and a ship would lie here in perfect safety during 
the south-east monsoon ; but with the present north-west winds and 
squally weather, this otherwise good anchorage was not equal to the 
place we had quitted. The highest parts of Cape Vanderlin are hil- 
locks of almost bare sand ; on the isthmus behind it were many 
shrubs and bushes, and amongst the latter was found a wild nutmeg, 
in tolerable abundance. The fruit was small, and not ripe; but the 
mace and the nut had a hot, spicy taste. 
There was no appearance of fresh water Here, nor was the ship 
in a situation safe to remain all night ; so soon, therefore, as my 
bearings were taken from the top of Cape Vanderlin, we returned on 
board, and steered for the opening between North and Centre Islands. 
At dusk, the anchor was dropped in 6 fathoms, muddy ground, a 
little within the opening ; where we had land at different distances 
all round, with the exception of one point to the W. N. W. 
During the two days we remained here, I examined a shallow Tuesday 21. 
bay on the east side of Centre Island, and went to the westward as 
far as the Craggy Isles, taking bearings from various stations. 
Several rills of fresh water were found at the heads of little coves, 
but the depth was not sufficient for the ship to get near any of them; 
and therefore we returned to our first anchorage near Cabbage-tree Wednes. 
Cove, to cut through the mangroves and get the holds completed 
with water at the small run there. This duty I left to the care of the 
first lieutenant, and the rates of the time keepers to be continued by the 
