at the Cape of Good Hope, St. Helena, and Ascension, arrived at Plymouth, April 23d, 1823. Commander King concludes his journal with the following observations upon what he had then effected, and what yet remains to be done upon the northern coasts of Australia:–
“Beginning with the north-eastern coast, I have been enabled to lay down a very safe and convenient track for vessels bound through Torres Strait, and to delineate the coast line between Cape Hillsborough, in 20° 54' S., and Cape York, the north extremity of New South Wales; a distance of 690 miles. As my instructions did not authorize my delaying to examine any part of this coast, I could not penetrate into the many numerous and extensive openings that presented themselves in this space; particularly in the neighbourhood of Capes Gloucester, Upstart, and Cleveland; where the intersected and broken appearances of the hills at the back are matters of interesting inquiry and research.
“My instructions at first confined me between Cape Arnhem and the N.W. cape, but were subsequently extended to the western coast. The examination of the northern and part of the north-western coasts, from Wessel Islands to Port George the Fourth, a distance of 790 miles, has been carefully made, and, with a few exceptions, every opening has been explored. Those parts in this interval that yet require examination are some inlets on the south side of Clarence Strait, and one of more considerable size to the eastward of Cambridge Gulf, trending in to the S.E.: otherways, the coast comprised within those limits has been sufficiently examined for all the purposes of navigation.
“The coast between the N.W. cape and Depuch Island, containing 220 miles, has also been sufficiently explored; but between the latter island and Port George the Fourth, a distance of 510 miles, it yet remains almost unknown. The land that is laid down is nothing more than an archipelago of islands fronting the main-land, the situation of which is quite uncertain. Our examinations of these islands were carried on as far as Cape Villaret; but between that and Depuch Island the coast has only been seen by the French, who merely saw small detached portions of it. At present, however, all is conjecture; but the space is of considerable extent, and if there is an opening into the interior of New Holland, it is in the vicinity of this part. Off the Buccaneer’s Archipelago, the tides are strong, and rise to the height of 36 feet. Whatever may exist behind these islands, which we were prevented by our poverty in anchors and other circumstances from exploring, there are certainly some openings of importance; and it is not at all improbable that there may be a communication at this part with the interior for a considerable distance from the coast.
“The examination of the western coast was performed during an almost
