Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/35

] Partridge Island and the main, the water is so shallow, as barely to admit the passage of a boat, at low water, so that no swell of any consequence can come into the cove from seaward. The little cove four miles further up is a much snugger anchorage; and Esperance Bay, on the opposite shore, is said to be the best harbour in Van Diemen's Land: but as our time did not admit of our examining it, I am not able to give any opinion on its capabilities except that from the entrance it appeared to be an excellent harbour. Port Arthur, in Tasman's Peninsula, however, possesses many advantages, especially for men-of-war wanting extensive repairs, or having to heave down. The large amount of convict labour, which is always available, and the exclusive use of spacious storehouses, in which the ship's crew may be comfortably accommodated, and where the stores and provisions may be kept in perfect safety during the process, are material conveniences on such occasions: and, added to these, the vigilance of a military guard, so essential, and there carried out to the utmost perfection and severity, in order to prevent the escape of convicts from the doubly penal establishment, is equally efficacious in preventing the straggling of the crew into the town, where, being exposed to the temptation of all kinds of excesses, they are at Hobarton, as well as at most seaport towns, likely to be robbed by those who are ever waiting to prey upon the incautious and unsuspicious sailor.