COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 49 
had with these natives, the group between Lewis isis* 
Island and the main was called The Intercourse Feb . 2 
Islands. 
Early the next morning, we left the anchorage, 28. 
and took up a fresh station off the N.E. end of 
the island from which we were repulsed. On 
our passing the north side of it, we saw no marks 
of fresh water ; if there be any, it must be from 
rain-water collected and preserved in the holes 
of the rock. As we passed the east point, two 
natives were observed crossing over to the main 
upon their logs, and this was the last we saw 
of them. 
Hence the strait takes a northerly direction, 
and was named Mermaid’s Strait, after our little 
vessel which had thus first sailed through it. Mr. 
Roe, in ’the afternoon, examined an opening in 
the land to the eastward of our anchorage ; but 
found it to be overrun with mangroves, and en- 
tirely destitute of fresh water. 
The next day we steered through the strait. March i. 
Three openings were observed on the eastern 
side, which appeared to be straits separating as 
many islands ; the northernmost was called Gidley 
Island. To the north of Lewis Island is Malus 
Island, the north east end of which is formed 
by a high bluff point, named Courtenay Head ; 
