COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
85 
noise that was very frequently heard by us isis. 
whenever we anchored, and passed a calm night April 19. 
near the shore. 
The next morning, before we got under weigh, 20. 
we landed at the mouth of a small salt-water inlet, 
which trended in among the mangroves: hav- 
ing climbed a hill, we had a distinct view of the 
bottom of the port, which, at the distance of 
eight miles higher up, closed to a narrow 
opening, and then widened to a spacious inner 
harbour. The country is here thickly, and in 
some parts almost impenetrably, clothed with 
eucalyptus , acacia , pandanus , fan palms, and vari- 
ous other trees ; whilst the beaches are in some 
parts studded, and in others thickly lined with 
mangroves. The soil is chiefly of a gray sandy 
earth, and in some parts might be called even 
rich; there were, however, very few places that 
could bear so favourable a character. The cli- 
mate seems here to favour vegetation so much, 
that the quality of the soil appears to be of 
minor importance, for every thing thrives and 
looks verdant. 
Having returned on board , we got under weigh, 
and steered for the narrow opening at the bottom 
of the port. On reaching it, the water deepened, 
but we were obliged to anchor, and sound the 
channel, before we succeeded in entering the 
