COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
33 
lined by a barrier of sharp rocks, covered with isis. 
species of ostrea and nerita ; but although these Feb. 20. 
were the only living testaceous animals that were 
found, the beach was covered with a multitude of 
dead and imperfect shells of various species. 
In the evening, after our return from the river, 
the w r eather clouded, but afterwards cleared up 
with a change of wind from the S.E., which, 
from its heat, and from the listless sensations 
it caused, resembled the hot land-wind of Port 
Jackson: this seems to afford additional ground 
for the hypothesis, that the interior of this im- 
mense island is occupied by vast sandy deserts. 
On leaving this anchorage, it was low water, 22. 
when the depth was only six inches more than 
the vessel’s draught; but the bottom being of 
mud, it deepened inch by inch, until we reached 
four, five, and six fathoms ; and upon this depth 
we sailed the whole day, passing through a 
cluster, or rather range of sandy islets. In the 
evening we anchored under one of larger size 
than usual, about four miles from the main land, 
the shores of which had been traced during the 
day, without losing sight of any part of it ; it 
was still low, and bounded either by “ dunes ” 
of sand, or an impervious forest of mangroves, 
beyond which no part of the interior could be 
seen. 
VOL. 1. 
D 
