1821.  June 4.

Between the 30th and the 4th of June we had a series of gales of wind, which enabled us to prove the capabilities of our new ship; and it was very satisfactory to find that she was weatherly, tight, and dry, three very essential qualities for a surveying vessel.

June 5.

On the afternoon of the 5th we passed round the north end of Breaksea Spit, and crossed Hervey’s Bay; in the night, when the brig ought to have been many miles from the shore, we found ourselves unexpectedly close to some land; but it was not until the day broke that we knew the full extent of the danger we had encountered:  the land we had seen proved to be the round head of Bustard Bay, which, as the wind was blowing directly upon it, we were fortunate in having room to clear.  The Dick was apprized by us of the danger in time, and succeeded in clearing the land by tacking to the southward.

June 6.

At noon we were passing the small woody isle that was seen by Captain Flinders, and farther on we discovered two other isles of a similar character:  they were seen from the masthead to the north-east; and a fourth was seen by the Dick.  After this we had a few days of fine weather, which, as dysentery had already made its appearance amongst us, was most welcome, and tended materially to check the progress of so alarming a complaint.

June 8.

On the 8th we entered among the Northumberland Islands.

June 10.

But, from light northerly winds, did not reach an anchorage under Percy Island, Number 2, until the morning of the 10th.  Our situation was between the Pine Islets and the basin, in ten fathoms, near a run of water, which fell from the rocks into the sea at about a quarter of a mile to the northward of the sandy beach:  from this stream we filled our casks.  Water was also found in many other parts, but all the runs appeared to be of temporary duration.

June 11.

This island, like Number 1, which we visited in 1819, appears to be principally of quartzose formation.  The soil is sandy, and affords but little nourishment to the stunted trees with which it is furnished.  In the more barren and rocky parts the pine was abundant, but not growing to any great size:  the Dick’s people cut down and embarked several logs; on examination they were thought to be useless; but, from subsequent experience, they proved to be far from deserving such contempt, for during the voyage we made two pole-top gallant-masts of it; which, although very full of knots, were as tough as any spar I ever saw; and carried a press of sail longer than would be trusted on many masts.  These trees are very abundant on the Cumberland and Northumberland Islands, but do not attain any large size; being seldom higher than fifty or sixty feet, or of a greater diameter than from twelve to eighteen inches.

Among the variety of birds, several black cockatoos and the pheasant cuckoo were seen.  The beaches were frequented by gulls, terns, and oyster-catchers; and an egret was noticed of a slate-coloured plumage, with a small ruff upon its head.