COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
365 
burning at the back of the north shore, it was ls2a 
presumed they were in that direction. On setting July 27. 
fire to the grass to clear a space for our tent, it 
was quickly burnt to the ground, and the flames 
continued to ravage and extend over the hills 
until midnight. 
The following day we erected tents and com- 28. 
menced some repairs to the jolly boat, which 
was hauled up in the usual place ; the other two 
boats were sent to the north end of the long sandy 
beach on the opposite side, to examine the state 
of the rivulet which we had noticed there last 
year. On their return, they reported it to be 
still running with a plentiful stream; and, al- 
though it was rather inconvenient, from the beach 
being exposed to the swell and surf, yet our 
boats made daily trips to it without any ill con- 
sequences, notwithstanding one of them was 
once swamped in loading ; it did not, however, 
sustain any injury. 
Another stream of water was subsequently 
found on the south side, a little without the en- 
trance of the harbour, but too brackish for the 
purposes of drinking ; it was, therefore, merely 
used during our stay for the common purposes of 
washing and cooking. 
Whilst our people were thus employed, I was 
assisted by Mr. Roe at the observatory. As 
the particulars of our observations for this and 
