174 
CRUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER . 
while the bands were playing appropriate and 
inspiring airs. 
The weather had moderated as we reached the 
mid-channel, passing round Fort Dennison, Bradley, 
and through the Heads. 
On clearing the harbour we found a rough and 
troubled sea ; so in sight of the land we rolled about 
most unpleasantly all night. 
June 9 th . — A gale of wind and heavy and rolling 
seas prevented any sounding or dredging being under- 
taken ; and, as the day advanced, it was found neces- 
sary to return to port once more, anchoring within 
Sydney Heads, in Watson’s Bay; remaining here 
until the weather moderated, which was not until the 
12th, when a second attempt was made. Immedi- 
ately on getting well clear of the land, soundings were 
commenced, and bottom was found at 85 fathoms. 
Eight or ten miles farther it was found to deepen to 
120 fathoms; about the same distance, again, it had 
deepened to 290 fathoms. The next day’s soundings 
indicated 1200 fathoms, the bottom showing sand 
and mud. Course was now altered nearer the shore 
until in a depth of 400 fathoms, when dredging 
operations recommenced, but nothing of any im- 
portance was obtained. 
A heavy gale now sprung up, and we got into 
deeper water, the next sounding giving 2100 fathoms, 
with a bottom of mud. In this rough and tem- 
pestuous weather the following day observations were 
