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[Page 4]
Messrs. Grant, Harris and Barrallier, were sounding the entrance of the River. -- Found the Base of the Island a complete stratum of coal from 18 to 22 inches deep of an excellent quality. -- There is anchoring ground at the inner side of the Island, near to where the coals are, and a vessel might be loaded in a short time -- but the preference must be given to Colliers Point -- as the work can be carried on to any extent, and at little expence. -
Mr Harris and myself went to examine Ash Island and to determine its circumference. -- Took some water with us for the Sawyers. -- After rowing the greatest part of the day we began to suspect that we had passed the channel that seperates it from the other Islands. -- which really was the case. -- At 3 P.M. we found ourselves in a large river and the water so fresh as to be fit for use. Here the tide meeting the stream we had a heavy swell. -- About eight miles from where we returned the two Rivers meet and divide again in different branches forming several Islands, as will appear by Mr Barrallier's survey. -- From the herbage which is very luxuriant and the quantities of oysters on the Mangrove Trees, those Islands in my opinion would answer for the purpose of rearing swine. This day I added some Plants to my collection particularly a species of Cocos, entirely new, from 60 to 80 feet high.
From the several excursions I made, during the time that the Lady Nelson lay in Fresh Water Bay, I am of