Finding from the succession of dense fogs that we could not prosecute an easterly examination of the coast, we returned towards Port Phillip, and experienced some unusual swells off Port Western.

EXTRAORDINARY SOUNDINGS.

The soundings were in general tolerably regular; but in the same neighbourhood we had some extraordinary ones—­SEVENTY FATHOMS, on a gravelly bottom.  This was nearly one third of the way across from Grant Island to Cape Shanck, seven miles from the latter.  The same strange depth was likewise found three miles south from Cape Wollami, with the same kind of gravel bottom, or a very fine kind of shingle.  It was a single cast of the lead.  On either side in this last case were 39 and 33 fathoms fine sand and shells.  Had it not been for the change in the quality of the bottom, I should have doubted so great a depth, which is the more remarkable from its being the greatest within the Strait.

The next day towards evening we again anchored in Hobson’s Bay, where we stayed till the 23rd.  This time in getting out of Port Phillip through the southern channel, we met with an accident.  I have before mentioned the difficulty of seeing the eastern part of the north bank, which, on this occasion, combined with the dazzling effect of the sun’s rays ahead, was the cause of our grounding for a short time near the inner entrance.  It was, therefore, noon next day before we were again outside, when we steered across for the north end of King Island.

January 26.

In passing Franklin Road the next morning, we saw a cutter at anchor, doubtless the colonial vessel which is occasionally allowed to visit Captain Smith, and afford him supplies.  We passed down four miles from the western side of King Island, carrying an outer line of soundings, varying from 40 to 50 fathoms; and in the evening anchored in Fitzmaurice Bay.

BELL ROCK.

Next morning we proceeded in search of Bell Rock,* lying in the middle of the south entrance of Bass Strait, eight miles South from the northern and largest of Reid’s Rocks; but there being only a light air stirring from the westward, we were almost wholly at the mercy of the tide, which carried us midway between its assigned position and the last-mentioned dangers.  We passed near several small eddies and slight whirlpools, in which no bottom was found in the boats with 25 fathoms.  The North-West extremity of Reid’s Rock might with propriety be described as a small islet, it being a dark mass some half a mile long, and rising 25 feet out of the water.  The French charts exhibit some sunken rocks to the north of this; but, if they really exist, of which there is great doubt, we saw nothing of them.  I may here mention, that great circumspection should be used by vessels in the neighbourhood of Reid’s Rocks, as the soundings do not indicate their approach, and as the tide runs among them with great rapidity.

(Footnote.  A rock was seen in H.M.S.  Conway five miles West-South-West from Bell Rock.)