THE CLIMATE
appeared to me very temperate, and not subject to oppressive heat, nor do the rains fall in torrents as at Sydney; the dews are heavy, but not injurious to health, which we had ample opportunity of proving, owing to the frequent exposure of our men, many of whom have slept under trees and bushes for several nights together, and though almost wet through, never experienced any ill effects. I had fifteen men under my command, and though they were a class of people who take no care of themselves, not one of them was ill during our stay, nor did my own health suffer at all, though I was exposed to all weathers both night and day.
January, when I reached the Island, is the middle of the summer; and the autumn and winter elapsed during our stay. In the winter it appeared to me much less cold than in Van Diemen's Land, and I observed generally that the changes of temperature are less sudden and frequent than in New South Wales.
The winds there are regular land and sea breezes, with occasional calms; during the winter months strong south westerly winds prevail, but are not of any duration, and cannot throw any sea into the anchorages to injure the shipping, they being completely landlocked;—a vessel, on making for the Island, must be careful in not standing too close to the shore, until they ascertain their true position, as several dangers are still unexplored on the southern part of the Island: this I would leave entirely to the judgment of the navigator, who always ought to be guided by circumstances.
There are no harbours on the south side of the Island, but in fine weather a ship may anchor for a few hours in any place along the coast, but must be always ready to slip in case of the appearance of bad weather. It was the case with me at the south-west side of the Island. There are no natives on the Island; several
