Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/427

 Rh burning at the back of the north shore, it was presumed they were in that direction. On setting fire to the grass to clear a space for our tent, it was quick;y burnt to the ground, and the flames continued to ravage and extend over the hills until midnight.

The following day we erected tents and commenced some repairs of the jolly boat, which was hauled up in the usual place; the other two boats were sent to the north end of the long sandy beach on the opposite side, to examine the state of the rivulet which we had noticed there last year. On their return, they reported it to be still running with a plentiful stream; and, although it was rather inconvenient, from the beach being exposed to the swell and surf, yet our boats made daily trips to it without any ill consequences, notwithstanding one of them was once swamped in loading; it did not, however, sustain any injury.

Another stream of water was subsequently found on the south side, a little without the entrance of the harbour, but too brackish for the purpose of drinking; it was, therefore, merely used during our stay for the common purposes of washing and cooking.

Whilst our people were thus employed, I was assisted by Mr. Roe at the observatory. As the particulars of our observations for this and