COASTS OP AUSTRALIA. 
193 
that appear to be inaccessible, and to form almost isi9. 
an impenetrable barrier between the sea-coast June 
and the interior. From the hazy state of the 
atmosphere the Palm Islands were not visible : 
sunset being near at hand, we were obliged 
to hasten our descent, which, by following the 
course of a torrent-worn gully, proved to be 
much shorter and easier than, from our rugged 
and difficult ascent, we were led to apprehend. 
At the bottom of the hill, the small stream that 
was trickling down the gully, by which we de- 
scended, joined another of larger size running 
over the beach in to the sea, at about a quarter of 
a mile to the southward of that from which we 
watered. At the junction of these streams, we 
discovered a native path winding among the high 
grass, which speedily brought us to our boat. 
We remained at the anchorage the following day 
in order to obtain some lunar distances ; and, in the 
evening, Mr. Bedwell sounded across the bay 
towards the south end of Magnetical Island, and 
also the channel between that island and the 
main. The soundings, therefore, laid down are 
from his report, from which it appears that there 
is a good and clear passage through, and excellent 
anchorage upon a muddy bottom all over the bay. 
No natives were seen during our visit, but the 
remains of nine huts were counted in different 
Vol. I. o 
