Page:Historical records of Port Phillip.djvu/29

 vessel for water with the gun and compass, and he moved from the place where we left him. On our arrival found the man but not the Doctor, and it being dark nothing could be done till morning.——

Thursday, 27th.—When four men set off to the place where he was left, they found his fire but he was gone. After searching all the day they arrived in the evening without him.

Friday, 28th.—In the morning two parties went different ways in search of the Doctor; in an hour after they were gone saw the Doctor walking on the beach, when a boat was sent to bring him on board. Immediately three muskatoons were fired to bring the parties back, but they did not hear them, and they returned in the afternoon. Thunder, high wind, some drops of rain, and excessively hot for two days past.

Saturday, 29th.—At eight o'clock Mr. Grimes, self, and four others went on shore to continue the survey from the 25th. There is a small river where we began; a little further some fresh water; crossed several dingles, all dry. At about two o'clock came to fresh water; it appears to be a considerable stream in wet seasons. I went but a little way in the country being alone. The land is a light, black sandy soil, timber small and low, the shore rocky, iron-colored stone, but sand when broken.

Sunday, 30th.—The same party as yesterday went on shore at eight o'clock. About a mile from the fresh water there is a deep gully; I crossed it about half a mile from the beach; it appears to run a great way into the country. I ascended a hill where I could see eight or ten miles, hills without trees, narrow valleys with scrubby brush. The soil black, gavelly [sic] sand; at a mile-and-a-half from the beach a run of fresh water to a lagoon. Came to a river; it was salt; traced it to the beach; crossed it up to the knees about a mile farther; went in about a quarter of a mile found a fine fresh water river about 30 feet wide, and deep enough for a boat; Mr. Grimes took the bearings of it; traced it six or eight miles; it runs in a parallel line with the sea. Fell in with a body of natives, fourteen men, besides women and children; they pointed to us to follow the ship; I gave them some biscuit; some of the men gave them some old hats and a handkerchief; they followed us a considerable way, seemingly asking for more. There are some huts on the side of the river. The land sandy, with shell bottom; wood small. At five o'clock got on board.

Monday, 31st.—It looked like a wet morning; we did not go out early. At ten o'clock the Captain, Grimes, self, and two mariners, went on shore; crossed a neck of land about half a mile over; went along the beach a little way and ascended a hill; the country appearing very barren. Returned to the vessel about one o'clock.

Tuesday, February 1st.—The same party as before went on shore about seven o'clock to continue the survey from 30th. There is a slip of trees from four to six chains from the beach within which is poor sandy land with short brush, and no trees inwards for several miles.