350 
CBUISE OF H.M.S. CEALLENGEB. 
to a large lake-like expanse of water, with a river 
flowing into its npper end. A few fish were 
caught, and several birds (fine ducks, geese, &c.) 
were shot. 
Amongst the numerous picnic parties scattered 
over the shore, some “ by accident ” set the long 
grass on fire, which speedily communicated with the 
trees and foliage, and after a short time fires were 
raging with great fury, sweeping up the valleys and 
along the shore, continuing all the remainder of the 
day. As night advanced, it was a grand sight ; the 
roaring of the fire in the stillness of the night, 
and the bright glare illuminating the hill-tops and 
placid waters of the harbour, had a fine effect. 
GRAY HARBOUR TO PORT GRAPPLER. 
Jan . 4 th . — The fire still burnt in various directions, 
and trees and shrubs continued to fall under its de- 
vouring effect as we left the anchorage, steaming 
onwards past Indian Reach. The morning was fine, 
and a bright, clear calm allowed us to fully enjoy the 
splendid scenery on either side of the channel. We 
had now entered the English Narrows, where great 
care is necessary in navigating, for a strong cur- 
rent sweeps through, and a small islet (Mid-Channel 
Island), situate in the narrowest part, requires 
to he quickly rounded. After clearing these in- 
tricate passages, we came into broader water. The 
nearer hills rose perpendicularly out of the waters, 
