the gales were never ſo high, our pinnaces could ſail about it with ſecurity. A muddy bottom, about 3½ fathoms in depth, let them run no hazard if they were driven aground. More than 100 veſſels of the line might ride here with ſafety, and be ſupplied with as much wood and water as they ſtood in need of.
Towards the N.N.E. extremity of the harbour a ſmall river diſcharges itſelf into the ſea. Some of our boats attempted to row up the ſtream, but were prevented by the large trees that lay acroſs it. A few wild dogs were obſerved in the neighbouring country; and ſome ſheltering places, ſlightly conſtructed of the barks of trees, ſhewed that the ſhores were frequented by the natives. A piece of alga marina, of the ſpecies known by the name of fucus palmatus, was picked up. It was cut into the ſhape of a purſe, and appeared to have been uſed as a drinking veſſel, being found filled with water.
The weſt ſide of the harbour is the moſt favourable for taking in a ſupply of water. We took in ours on the W.S.W. and our wood on the oppoſite ſhore.
A fire that was ſeen at the diſtance of about 5000 toiſes to the South, informed us that we were near the habitations of the ſavages, although we had as yet ſeen none of them.
