Page:Historical records of Port Phillip.djvu/33

 river; went up it about a mile in company with the doctor. At the end of the salt water found a hole made by natives; drank of it and returned back to the beach where the boat had " brought up." I went back to the hole and dug it larger, and brought some of the water. The land is not of so good a quality after I crossed the river; timber small and crooked, mostly oak and Banksia.

Tuesday, 15th.— In the morning two men went for some water; set out about eight o'clock. I went over a plain and met with a river; went up about a mile and a half; it continued salt and wide. Returned to the beach, where the party was waiting for the boat to take them over; it being low water the boat could not get up; crossed it up to the middle and a little further, dined. Proceeded on round a point, the land stony and no wood; came to a swamp and another river. I did not go up it as it was near night. Had much difficulty to find wood.

Wednesday, 16th.—Breakfasted before daylight. The captain and crew went back to the native hole for water, whilst the others proceeded on the land. Swamps, with gentle rising stony ground; some scaites of lagoons and small runs, all dry. About two o'clock the boat came up with us; our provision was all out. We had got four geese; stopped and dressed them and walked on till sunset; a bad fire this night. Five pounds of bread per week. Passed three islands, one large and two small; some mangroves on the large island, only a few scattered trees on the plain. Many swans, ducks, and luggs.

Thursday, 17th.—A. bad fire and swampy beach this night. Had about 1 lb. of flour; boiled it for our breakfast for all hands. Mr. Grimes would not go any farther without provision; the captain went off to the vessel for some, and inadvertently took what water we had left with him. Mr. Grimes called him back, got the water in a camp kettle, and proceeded on about a mile. Came to a river; went up it about two miles in company with the doctor, where we found excellent fresh water. There is no run above the fresh water, only some pools; it appeared to be a considerable run in wet seasons. Crossed over to the other side, and came opposite to Mr. Grimes and party, and they went round. The land was a little better by the river side, but swampy near the sea. Proceeded on to another river; it ended in a swamp about a mile up. Soon after the boat returned from the ship, when we sat down to dinner. Afterwards continued our march to another large river. The boat being at hand, it took over Mr. Grimes and his party; he proceeded to the place where he left off on the 10th, and I went up the river a little way in the boat. It is the second in size we have met with. The captain did not think fit to go further, and we returned and were soon joined by the surveyor, &c. Got on board about seven o'clock.

Friday, 18th.—Anchor up at sunrise; came opposite the place we slept on the 12th inst. As we went out of the boat eleven natives met us; they were very civil. I gave one of them a biscuit; he looked at it; I took it again, eat of it, when he did the same; whatever we said