COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
213 
from Cape Lev^que to Point Gantheaume is an 1822. 
island, and that there is also a communication Feb. ir, 
between Cygnet and Collier’s Bays, behind the 
islands of the Archipelago, where it is also pro- 
bable there is an opening trending to the south- 
east. The great rise and fall of the tides in 
the neighbourhood of Point Gantheaume gives a 
plausibility to this opinion; and the only thing 
that I know against it, is the trifling depth of the 
water between that point and Cape Villaret. 
This, however, may be caused by the nume- 
rous banks and channels existing there, and 
which, of themselves alone, are indicative of 
the opening being something more than a mere 
bay. 
As sunset approached, the eastern horizon 
was as usual in commotion ; heavy dense clouds 
were collected, from which we had thunder and 
lightning. At seven o’clock the appearance was 
more threatning, and, as a squall was evidently 
approaching, the sails were taken in and pre- 
paration made to meet it: soon after eight 
o’clock it passed rapidly over, and brought a 
strong gust of wind, before which we were 
obliged to scud. After blowing most tempestu- 
ously for an hour, the wind moderated, and the 
night passed without any repetition of it ; we 
had, however, run five miles to leeward: 
