Page:Historical records of Port Phillip.djvu/24

 kangaroos and four badgers; stopped at about seven miles for Mr. Grimes to continue his survey; on his return dined. Afterwards went to a lagoon about three miles from the sea. The road to it is through a thick brush and sandy hills. There are some clear spots covered with rushes and appears at times to be flooded. Dug a spot of ground and sowed some seeds. The soil is a light black sand about 8 inches deep on the hills, and from eighteen inches to two feet in the valleys, at bottom white sand. At the end of the lagoon, next the sea, there are some forest land with large gum trees; the soil sandy, and in the marshy grounds are large fern trees with deep black soil.

Tuesday, 28th.—Went along the side of the lagoon a little way, it is of considerable extent. Afterwards divided into two parties, Mr. Grimes, the doctor, and two others to examine the lagoon; the captain, self, and two others to look into the country. The ground is alternately forest and swampy; the soil is shallow on the hills, and deep black earth in the bottoms. The wood is principally blue-gum, from two to three feet in diameter and about twenty on an acre. A little way from the beach was taken ill by drinking some bad water. Stopped some time behind the party. I soon recovered and arrived at headquarters before sunset, where I found all the others arrived about two hours before.

Wednesday 29th.—Made a signal in the morning for the boat to come on shore. Sowed some seeds, and the boat not coming, we set off after dinner, twelve in number, having been joined by one Smith, belonging to Cable's gang, and two natives from Sydney. Travelled about three miles, and being informed that we should not find water for a long way, stopped for the night. The shore is rocky, projecting a considerable way into the sea in many places. On our departure each man took thirty-two biscuits with him, as we expected plenty of game. In the evening caught three young emus, twenty-three seal, and eight kangaroos.

Thursday 30th.—One man went back to the tent with the emus, and we proceeded along the shore. Crossed a fine stream of water and several springs. I am of opinion that the springs issuing from the hills come all from lagoons in the interior. We were joined in the afternoon by the man sent back in the morning. This day caught four emus, three badgers, three porcupines, and a kangaroo. The shore appears the same as on the preceding day.

Friday 31st.—Set out at six o'clock. At about three miles parted, the captain, self, and three others into the country; Mr. Grimes, the doctor, and the other five proceeded to survey the coast. At about a mile from the sea found a small spot of grey loam. Proceeded up a run of water the ground swampy; came to the head of it at about half-a-mile, the ground rising a little. Travelled about three miles over a level country, the timber being chiefly gum and tea-tree; the soil sandy. There have been very large trees, most of which have fallen. The standing timber is from 60 to 100 feet high, and from one to three feet in diameter. Returned to the beach nearly the same road we went, and, after dinner, went to the stream of water seen on the 30th ult. Went up it a little way, and stopped the night.