until the 11th of November that we
bade adieu to our friends, and sailed to commence our contemplated
operations. On the 14th we passed the rocky islands (Kent's Group) at the
eastern entrance of the Strait, their barren and bleak appearance bespoke
the constant gales that swept over them, checking every tendency to
vegetation. As we approached them the soundings decreased to 28 fathoms,
the observation of which fact apprises vessels coming from the eastward
in thick weather, of their proximity. After leaving these islands we
progressed but slowly, and the passage through the Strait promised to be
tedious: yet, as the wind was fair and the weather fine, we had no reason
to complain, considering moreover the remarkably mild reception we met
with in the Funnel, the name commonly and most appropriately given by the
colonists to Bass Strait, from the constant strong winds that sweep
through it.

WILSON'S PROMONTORY.

On the 17th we passed Wilson's Promontory, the southern extremity of
Australia, connected with the main by a low sandy isthmus, only left dry
it is probable of late years. It is a very mountainous tract, rearing its
many peaks in solemn grandeur from the waves and burying their summits*
at most seasons of the year, in a canopy of grey mist. On some occasions,
however, the bold outline of the mountains is relieved against a clear
sky, and their loftiest points catch the first rays of the morning sun,
as it rises from the eastern ocean. Many small islands are dispersed over
the sea in front of this promontory, and partake of its character, being
apparently the tops of mountains thrusting themselves up from the deep,
and suggesting the belief that new countries are about to be disclosed.
Passing Port Western, generally called Western Port, a high mound on the
south-eastern extremity of Grant Island was the most conspicuous object.
The next remarkable feature in the coast is Cape Shanck, a projection at
the western end of a long line of cliffs. Lying close off it is a rock,
named, from its exact resemblance, Pulpit Rock.

(*Footnote. Nearly 3000 feet high.)

PORT PHILLIP.

In a small bay on the east side of this headland we caught a glimpse of
some rich valleys; but from thence for a distance of 16 miles, the coast
retains a barren sandy character to Port Phillip, which we reached on the
afternoon of the 18th. We scarcely found any ripplings in the entrance,
an occurrence of extreme rarity; for it will readily