COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
19 
almost inaccessible rock, exposed to the S.W. 1818. 
winds ; it measured four feet in diameter at the January, 
top, and nearly seven feet at the base: it ap- 
peared to have been deserted for some time, as 
the branches and sea-weed, with which it was 
made, were strewed about the rock. Captain Flin- 
ders thought it probable that the inhabitant 
was an eagle ; but on our subsequent visit to 
King George’s Sound in 1821, we saw the 
same nest occupied by a hawk of a moderate 
size. 
On the 31st January we were ready to leave 
the port ; but the weather was so unfavourable 
that we remained until the following day. In the 
evening a boat was sent to Seal Island to deposit 
a bottle, in which was enclosed a memorandum 
informing future navigators of our visit, and 
intentions with respect to our further proceed- 
ings. When the boat returned she brought two 
seals, which had been killed on the island for 
the sake of their skins, to be used for the purpose 
of refitting the rigging. 
The next day (February 1st) the cutter was Feb. l. 
warped out of Oyster Harbour ; and, as the 
wind was from the eastward, we profited by it : 
after beating out of the Sound we steered along 
the coast, and at eight o’clock were abreast 
of West Cape Howe. 
