On the 26th we continued to have a very strong current setting southwardly; but on what point exactly I know not.  Our whole distance by log was but 82 miles, and our difference of latitude since yesterday noon by observation 100 miles, which is 18 miles more than the whole distance; and our course, allowing no leeway at all, was south 17 degrees west, which gives but 76 miles difference of latitude, 24 less than we found by observation.  I did expect (as has been said) we might meet a great current setting to the south yesterday, because there is a constant current setting out from among those islands we passed through between Timor and the isles to the west of it, and it is probable, in all the other openings between the islands, even from the east end of Java to the end of all that range that runs from thence, both to the east and west of Timor; but, being got so far out to sea as we were, though there may be a very great current, yet it does not seem probable to me that it should be of so great strength as we now found:  for both currents and tides lose their force in the open sea where they have room to spread; and it is only in narrow places or near headlands that their force is chiefly felt.  Besides, in my opinion, it should here rather set to the west than south; being open to the narrow sea that divides New Holland from the range of islands before mentioned.

The 27th we found that in the last 24 hours we had gone 9 miles less south than the log gave:  so that it is probable we were then out of the southern current which we felt so much before.  We saw many tropic-birds about us.  And found variation 1 degree 25 minutes west.

Whales.

On June the 1st we saw several whales, the first we had at this time seen on the coast:  but when we were here before we saw many; at which time we were nearer the shore than now.  The variation now was 5 degrees 38 minutes west.

Coast of new Holland.

I designed to have made New Holland in about the latitude of 20 degrees, and steered courses by day to make it, but in the night could not be so bold; especially since we had sounding.  This afternoon I steered in south-west till 6 o’clock; then, it blowing fresh and night coming on, I steered west-south-west till we had 40 fathom; and then stood west, which course carries alongshore.  In the morning again from 6 to 12 I steered west-south-west to have made the land but, not seeing it, I judged we were to the west of it.  Here is very good soundings on this coast.  When we passed this way to the eastward we had, near this latitude of 19 degrees 50 minutes 38 fathom, about 18 leagues from the land:  but this time we saw not the land.  The next morning I saw a great many scuttle-fish bones which was a sign that we were not far from the land.  Also a great many weeds continually floating by us.

We found the variation increase considerably as we went westward.  For on the 3rd it was 6 degrees 10 minutes west; on the 4th, 6 degrees 20 minutes, and on the 6th, 7 degrees 20 minutes.  That evening we saw some fowls like men-of-war-birds flying north-east, as I was told; for I did not see them, having been indisposed these 3 or 4 days.