zling effect of the sun's rays ahead,
was the cause of our grounding for a short time near the inner entrance.
It was, therefore, noon next day before we were again outside, when we
steered across for the north end of King Island.

January 26.

In passing Franklin Road the next morning, we saw a cutter at anchor,
doubtless the colonial vessel which is occasionally allowed to visit
Captain Smith, and afford him supplies. We passed down four miles from
the western side of King Island, carrying an outer line of soundings,
varying from 40 to 50 fathoms; and in the evening anchored in Fitzmaurice
Bay.

BELL ROCK.

Next morning we proceeded in search of Bell Rock,* lying in the middle of
the south entrance of Bass Strait, eight miles South from the northern
and largest of Reid's Rocks; but there being only a light air stirring
from the westward, we were almost wholly at the mercy of the tide, which
carried us midway between its assigned position and the last-mentioned
dangers. We passed near several small eddies and slight whirlpools, in
which no bottom was found in the boats with 25 fathoms. The North-West
extremity of Reid's Rock might with propriety be described as a small
islet, it being a dark mass some half a mile long, and rising 25 feet out
of the water. The French charts exhibit some sunken rocks to the north of
this; but, if they really exist, of which there is great doubt, we saw
nothing of them. I may here mention, that great circumspection should be
used by vessels in the neighbourhood of Reid's Rocks, as the soundings do
not indicate their approach, and as the tide runs among them with great
rapidity.

(*Footnote. A rock was seen in H.M.S. Conway five miles West-South-West
from Bell Rock.)

BLACK PYRAMID.

Between them and the Black Pyramid we had 35 and 32 fathoms.

We passed the night standing to and fro close to the Pyramid, which I
have before described as a dark rocky lump 240 feet high. Its western
side is a sombre storm-beaten cliff, whilst to the east it slopes away
almost to the water's edge. A few patches of coarse grass may be seen on
some sheltered spots. Sealers, I am informed, have landed upon it on
certain rare occasions of fine weather, and have been repaid for their
daring by capturing a few fur-seals from the rookery that there exists.
The Black Pyramid from some points of view, greatly resembles Curtis
Island, near the eastern entrance of the Strait. A mile and a half from
its easte