1803.
January.
Friday 28.
not appear to receive any stream of water; a still larger bight, between Point Blane and Cape Shield was also visible, though not so distinct as to speak of it particularly: the extremity of the cape bore S. 76° 15′ E. An observation to the north and south, taken on the outermost rocks, places Mount Grindall in 13° 15½′ south; and the longitude from survey is 136° 6⅓′ east. Mr. Westall's sketch in the Atlas,(Pl. XVIII.
View 13.) taken from the ship at anchor under Point Blane, will show the appearance of this mount and of the neighbouring land.
The top of Mount Grindall consists of the same kind of sand stone, with particles of quartz in it, as seen at Groote Eylandt; but the rocks on the shore are granite, and one block made a brilliant appearance from the quantity of mica it contained. There is very little soil on the surrounding land, the surface being either sandy or stony; it was however mostly covered with grass and wood, and amongst the trees was a cluster of the new species of eugenia, from which the boat's crew filled their handkerchiefs with fruit, which they called apples. Two natives were distinguished upon Round-hill Island; but none at Point Grindall, nor any thing to show that they had been there recently: the foot-marks of dogs and kanguroos were both recent and numerous.
Strong squalls from the eastward, with rain, much impeded our return to the ship in the evening; and from a continuance of the same unfavourable weather, Point Blane could not be repassed until the afternoon of the 30th.Sunday 30. The wind was then S.E., and we worked to windward all night, between the main coast and Isle Woodah and not being able to weather Cape Shield on the following day,Monday 31. we ran to our former anchorage under it, and remained there for the night.
February
Tuesday 1.Next morning we stood out of the bay with light winds; and after being put into some danger by them, in passing the island near Cape Shield, a breeze sprung up at W. by S. and we proceeded in the examination of the main coast. The situation of the ship at noon, and the bearings of the land were as under:
