SAILING DIRECTIONS. 
371 
Hants- Fonds,'*' the reefs extend for three leagues to the A. 
North and N.N.W. They were then supposed to extend 
to the N.E. W. Coast. 
The French only examined the western shores of Hamelin 
Harbour. The opposite coast was seen only at a distance, 
and the shoalness of the water prevented their boats from 
approaching it. M. De Freycinet says — Ces terres, basses 
et studies, ne contiennent aucune coupure; Tuniformite y 
est par-tout complete.” p. 194. 
Although Hamelin Harbour is not so deep as that of 
Henry Freycinet, on the opposite side of Peron’s Peninsula, 
it is nevertheless of larger size. The centre is much oc- 
cupied by banks, which entirely surround Faure Island; 
the diameter of which is about two leagues. 
Although many sandy beaches were seen at a distance 
upon the eastern shore of Shark’s Bay, yet the boats of 
the French ships could not reach the shore on account of 
the reefs which front it. Here and there they distin- 
guished red cliffs, and some signs of a scanty and burnt up 
vegetation. 
Of the anchorages in Shark’s Bay, the most convenient 
appears to be that in Dampier’s Bay, at the north-west end 
of Peron’s Peninsula, as well on account of the excel- 
lency of the holding ground, as the facility of procuring 
fuel. The Naturaliste remained a long time at this an- 
chorage, and never experienced any ill effect from the 
winds. The distance from the shore was six miles, and the 
depth six fathoms, fine sandy bottom. The sea was so 
clear, that the anchor was easily distinguished. The Na- 
turaliste found only occasion to moor with a kedge, merely 
to keep the cable clear of the anchor. As the strongest 
winds were the South and East, the bower anchor was laid 
in the latter direction. 
2 B 2 
