Vlaming.
1697.
In the evening, the west variation was observed to be 7° 21′; and on the 13th, they saw a cliffy point from whence three shoals, connected by a reef, stretch out to the N.N.E. The shore here, in latitude 24° 42′, lies S. by E. and N. by W. On the 16th, they passed round the point, and steered southward along the inner side of this land; and having doubled its south end, found that it was an island: their latitude was then 24° 54′.
Feb. 17. The variation was observed to be 5° west, in latitude 23° 59′. Eight miles south of this situation they saw a bay with a rugged point; but to the northward the land was low: the west variation was 7° 3′, in the evening. They discovered some reefs on the 19th, lying three geographic miles off shore; and also a point or cape (the North-west Cape) from which a reef extended two miles to the N.N.W. On the north side of this cape is a bay, where the Geelvink anchored; and a little further on (eastward), the other two vessels found an opening like a river, whose entrance was twelve miles wide. They went into it, but could no where find anchorage. The bay is called Willem's River; and the two vessels afterwards there joined the Geelvink: it is in 21° 28′. The same day it was determined to sail for Batavia, every thing having been done that the commodore's orders required; and, on the 21st, they departed accordingly.
Thus the West Coast, from the island Rottenest to the North-west Cape, was examined with care by Vlaming; and it is most probable, that the chart in Van Keulen, which Mr. Dalrymple republished, and was the best known at the end of the eighteenth century, resulted from this same voyage.
Dampier.
1699.Captain William Dampier visited, a second time, the western coasts of Terra Australis; being then sent out purposely for discovery, in his Majesty's ship the Roebuck.
In the night of Aug. 1, 1699, he struck soundings upon the northern part of the Abrolhos shoal, in latitude about 27° 40′ south.
