deck in fine weather, will come in sight ahead; and in passing three or four miles on the south side, the small western group will be seen, and is to be passed in the same way; as are Curtis’ peaked Isles, which will then be in sight.  From Curtis’ Isles to the north end of King’s Island, the course is nearly true west, and distance about forty-two leagues, with nothing in the way; but it is better to steer five or six leagues to the north of King’s Island, if the winds permit.  Should they hang to the westward of north, the course may be safely directed for Three-hummock Island; passing afterwards to the north or south of King’s Island, as the winds may be most favourable.

In the case of foul winds, which, if the weather be thick or rainy, may be expected to fix at south-west and blow strong, there are many places where a ship may anchor, to wait a change; but the following appear to be the most convenient.

1st.  Hamilton’s Road, at the east end of Preservation Island.

2nd.  On the south side of the largest Swan Isle, for small vessels, or under Isle Waterhouse.

3rd.  Port Dalrymple.

4th.  Various places amongst Hunter’s Isles.

5th.  Sea-elephant Bay, on the east side of King’s Island, where there is fresh water; or under the north-east end of that island, if the wind be from south-west.

6th.  Western Port, under Phillip Island; anchoring so soon as the ship is sheltered.  A fair wind for going onward through the strait, will take a ship out of this port.

7th.  Port Phillip.

(Atlas Plate I.)

After clearing Bass’ Strait, I think it most advisable to keep at not more than ten or twenty leagues off the coast, from Cape Otway to Kangaroo Island; as the wind may there be expected more favourable, and the contrary current less strong than in steering a straight course toward Cape Leeuwin.  But should the wind rise from the north-westward, with thick weather and a descent more than usually rapid in the marine barometer, a stretch off shore should immediately be made, to prepare for a south-west gale.  A look-out must be kept for an island lying to the west-south-west of Cape Northumberland; it was seen by Mr. Turnbull, commander of the Britannia, south whaler, but the weather being thick, its situation was not well ascertained.  According to the best information I could procure, this island lies in 381/4 deg. south, and about 1391/2 deg. or 3/4 east longitude.

From Kangaroo Island, a straight course may be made for the southernmost part of the Archipelago of the Recherche; but should the winds come from the westward and not blow a gale, or be light and unsteady, I would steer more northward, nearer to the land, in the hope of having them more favourable.  From the Archipelago to Cape Leeuwin it seems best to keep at a distance from the land, unless under the necessity of stopping in that neighbourhood; for the current runs strong near the shore, and with the advantage of an offing of twenty or thirty leagues, a ship may lie clear of the cape with a wind which might otherwise keep her beating for many days.