Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/439

channel appeared equally free on either side of the group; but, as it was a material object, on account of the unfavourable state of the weather, to make sure of reaching the anchorage under Cape Flinders, we did not attempt to pass round the northern side, but steered through the strait between 2 and 3, and then over our former track round Cape Melville. At six o'clock we anchored under Cape Flinders. Between Point Foley and Cape Melville I had an opportunity of improving my chart, with respect to the reefs in the offing, and of observing the outer limit of the barrier reefs, which were distinguished by the heavy breakers that lined the horizon. On rounding Cape Melville, the remarkable feature of which has been previously described at page 229, a pine-like tree was noticed growing on the summit of the ridge: Mr. Cunningham thought it was the araucaria excelsa; if his conjecture was right, this tree occupies a space of 900 miles of coast, between 14° 10′ and 29° 30′. It might, however, have been a callitris.

On passing round Cape Flinders, the remains of the Frederick's wreck were still seen scattered over the rocks; but appeared much reduced in quantity. Upon visiting it, the next morning,9.we observed evident proofs that some ship had lately been there and taken away several of her