[page 52]

[1802 Aug. Tuesday - 10th. in Keppel Bay. - Boats examinat]ion of the bay and rivers -

southern channel into the western river was not examined, nor can I tell which of the first mentioned passages lead into it.
The small south hill being open on the west side of the highest of the short hills, seems to lead into the passage of the south-western river, for on their coming on, we were upon the shoal which runs from the 1st. middle I. eastward. After rowing back to the N.E.ward, round this shoal, we entered the small 3 fms. channel, and landed upon the west end of the 1st. Middle Island; from the small cliffy hill of which, I took bearings. The greater part of this island, is low and covered with mangroves, and the 2nd. and 3rd. island seem to be altogether so. -
From Leaving the 1st. Middle Island, we rowed along the northern shore of the western river, about 41/2 miles, carrying from 4 to 8 fms. close to the shore. After dining, I walked up to the highest hill near the shore, and took an extensive set of angles. From this hill I saw, that the western river did not run to any great distance, but branched off into arms, making various intersections in the low land to the southward and westward; the furthest parts being about 10 miles distant. Between the hills near the sea coast, and a range which lies about 15 or 20 miles to the southward and takes a NW.erly direction, the land seems to be low and swampy, with many branchs from these Keppel-Bay rivers intersecting it. The breadth of the main stream appeared to be half