SIR JOSEPH BAXKS. 
30 
21st. We observed both last night and this morning that the main looke;l very 
narrow (Cape York), so we began to look oi\t for the passage we e.\j>ected to find 
between New Holland and New (Ininea. . . . The anchor was dropped and 
we went ashore (on Possession Island). 
Banks’ final date record on leaving Australia is: — 
2()th. Fine weather and clear fresh trade; stood to the W. and deei)ened our 
water from 13 to 27 fathoms. 
Then follows a chapter entitled “ Some account of that part of 
New Holland now called New South Wales.” 
No. 2.5. — The Exde.wour River; part of Cooktown. 
He describes, in general terms, the plants, animals, human beings, 
their implements and customs, their language, and the climate. It 
must be borne in mind that Banks was in Australia at a time which 
he believes “ to have been in the very height of the dry season.” The 
coast strip we know to be sandy and sterile, and it is not to be surprised 
at that Banks’ opinion of the fertility of the coimtrv was not very 
favourable. “ This drought is probably owing to the dryness of a 
soil almost entirely composed of sand, in which high hills are scarce.” 
Then Banks goes on to .speak of the poorness of the indigenous 
vegetables and fruits. We know, indeed, that most of the vegetables 
and fruits in these temperate climates are the product of selection 
and cultivation extending over many (sometimes hundreds of) years. 
