on
of these orders, may at least cause them to be ineffectually performed,
or perhaps lead to a waste of time, which might be better employed on
other parts of the coast. If such should eventually be the case, it would
be prudent not to attempt this intricate part of the coast during the
prevalence of the north-west monsoon, but to employ it in completing the
examination of Shark Bay and of Exmouth Gulf, as well as of other
unexplored intervals of coast up to the 122nd degree of longitude; or,
with a view to the proximity of one of the above-mentioned places of
refreshment, it might, perhaps, be advisable, if compelled to quit the
vicinity of Dampier Land, to devote that part of the season to a more
careful investigation of the low shores of the gulf of Carpentaria, where
it has been surmised, though very loosely, that rivers of some capacity
will be found.

The above objects having been accomplished (in whatever order you may
find suitable to the service) you will return to the southern settlements
for refreshments; and then proceed, during the summer months of fine
weather and long days, to Bass Strait, in which so many fatal accidents
have recently occurred, and of which you are to make a correct and
effectual survey.

But previous to your undertaking that survey, as it has been represented
to us that it would be very desirable for the perfection of the Tidal
theory, that an accurate register of the times and heights of high and
low-water should be kept for some time in Bass Strait, you will (if
practicable) establish a party for that purpose on King Island, and you
are to cause the above particulars of the Tides there to be
unintermittently and minutely observed, and registered in the blank forms
which will be supplied to you by our Hydrographer. If, however,
circumstances should render this measure unadvisable at that island, you
will either choose some less objectionable station, where the average
tide in the Strait may be fairly registered; or, if you can employ no
permanent party on this service, you will be the more exact in
ascertaining the above particulars at every one of your stations; and in
all parts of this Strait you will carefully note the set and strength of
the stream at the intermediate hours between high and low-water, and also
the time at which the stream turns in the offing.

The survey of Bass Strait should include, first, a verification of the
two shores by which it is formed; secondly, such