ing, "a great number
of creeks, or rivulets, falling into Swan River, more particularly on
the eastern side; and I am inclined to think, that the country
generally is much divided by such water-courses. Its supply of fresh
water, from springs and lagoons, is abundant; for we found such
wherever we thought it necessary to ascertain their existence. At
Point Heathcote," he adds, "we met with a remarkable instance; for
there the beach of a narrow rocky promontory is a bed of springs, and
by tracing the finger along any part within four inches of the edge of
the salt water, pure and fresh water instantly occupied the trace."

Mr. Fraser's testimony leaves no doubt of the abundance of fresh
water. "I was astonished," he says, "at the vivid green of the
Eucalyptus, and other trees and shrubs, so distinct from those of New
South Wales; but, on digging the soil to the depth of two feet, I
found the cause to arise apparently from the immense number of springs
with which this country abounds; for, at the depth above mentioned, I
found the soil quite moist, although evidently at the latter end of an
exceedingly dry season; and from the same cause must arise the great
luxuriance of the herbaceous plants on the banks, which exceeds any
thing I ever saw on the east coast. They consist principally of the
_senecia_ and the _sonchus_, which here attain the height of nine
feet."

He further observes, that numerous active springs issue from the rocks
of the limestone ridge, and particularly in Geographer's Bay, the
whole coast of which, he says, "is a perfect source of active springs,
discharging themselves on the beach in rapid rills of considerable
extent, every six or seven yards."

Between the two heads which form the entrance into Swan River, there
is, unfortunately, a bar, made by the continuity of the limestone
ridge. Over this bar, the depth, at low water, is but six feet, and is
therefore practicable only for boats or rafts. About a mile inside the
heads, the water deepens; and then commences a succession of cliffs,
or natural wharfs, with four, five, and six fathoms at their bases.
The same depths are extended over a magnificent expanse of salt water,
to which Captain Stirling has given the name of "Melville Water;" and
which, in his opinion, wants only a good entrance to make it one of
the finest harbours in the world, being seven or eight miles in
length, by three or four in width, and having a depth of water from
four to