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of it yet than by rumour. Perhaps it is not so bad. I have just seen in Saunders' News Letter Professor McCullagh's reading of J's letter on the native kiley. My theory is that the rapid rotation and progression has the effect of compressing the air, so as to act like a spring, and, when the strength of spring has overcome the impressing force, then the weapon is impelled in a new direction compounded of several forces. But this is too long a matter to dwell on here. Its motions have always puzzled me, and, no wonder, when the Professor seems quite at a loss also. Have you found the direction uniform? It seems to me to be very various; but I have not studied or examined this point accurately. Perhaps its examination may be the means of ascertaining or discovering some new law or property of motion.
November 15th.—We had our proclamation of the Accession, and swearing of oaths, &c., all on Monday. Had some conversation with the captain of the Beagle. He is to sail immediately for our N.W. coast, and to explore all the most promising parts of it. I suspect from what I hear that the other gentlemen (Grey and Lushington) have stolen a march upon him, and that their desire to anticipate him was the reason of their sailing from the Cape as they did. Captain Wickham makes this place his head quarters. Has left some of his stores, and means to return here in about four or five months for a fresh supply.—A long Council sitting yesterday.—I want some bricks drawn in Perth to my house, and have been asked 20s. a thousand for carrying them.—Irwin came up with me to-day. The Governor is remaining now at Fremantle, whilst his house is undergoing repair, so we have more time.—Men are busy cutting barley here, part by reaping-hook, part by scythe.
Friday.—Made my first attempt at brewing beer, from bran, to-day. It promises well, but is not finished yet.
Saturday.—Been making a well.—I have been busy laying out a line for a fence which will be more than a mile in
