Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/260

238 actly the harbours in which ships might find shelter from the heavy gales and impetuous storms, which prevail at this extremity of New Holland. A road, which is not less than 22,000 toises in extent, in that particular situation, might present great advantages to a commercial nation. Throughout the whole road, a ship may cast anchor with the certainty of finding a good bottom, the depth being from 6 to 25 fathoms, and no danger to be dreaded. At an equal distance between its two extremities, the bottom is of coarse sand, and not so good. There is also less water, as the depth there does not exceed six fathoms. It should seem that the tide entering at once by both extremities had accumulated the sand, at the place where the opposite currents meet. A ship may, without danger, come within 100 toises of the land. The sinuosities of the land present a varied prospect, and situations truly picturesque.

The season was advanced and the thermometer had not yet been lower than 7° above 0, although we were near the 44th degree of S. lat. Impetuous winds reigned in the open sea, while in the strait, we enjoyed the greatest tranquillity. We did not expect to experience so much security near the Bay of Tempests.

Fishes which prefer tranquil waters, abound in