236 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
season, in readiness for their next visit. No 
natives were seen, not even at our old place 
in Knockers Bay. The adjoining country was 
found to be very good forest land, well tim- 
bered, but parched with drought, which was by 
no means in favour of our views. Having buried 
a sealed bottle upon the sandy point, containing 
an account of our proceedings, we named it 
Point Record*, and sailed at the expiration of 
two days for Apsley Strait. 
“ Light winds retarded our arrival off Cape 
Van Diemen until the 24th, and it was not before 
the 26th that we brought up close to Luxmoore 
Head, in St. Asaph Bay. Possession was here 
taken in a similar manner and with the same 
forms as at Port Essington, and we commenced 
a strict search for water in every direction in 
the neighbourhood of the head, which appeared 
so desirable and commanding a position, that it 
was with great reluctance we eventually gave 
up all idea of settling there, on not finding fresh 
water in its neighbourhood. 
At the expiration of five or six days a small 
river and plenty of water was discovered on 
Melville Island abreast of Harris’ Island ; and an 
eligible situation for the intended new settlement 
* Point Record is the low sandy point on the left of the picture, 
in the view of Port Essington. — Vol. i. p. 86. 
