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distinguish any decided stream of tide, and the rise and fall
did not appear to have ever exceeded a fo o t: that there was a
slight tidal movement of the water seemed evident, from the
streams of foam coming from the cascades ; and also from the
fallen leaves which were borne on the water, from the shores of
the bays, in long lines; but signs like these are indicative of
there being no strength of tide : I have frequently noticed such
appearances in large sounds, or inlets, but never in any channel
where there was a current.
“ The bays between Hope Promontory and Point Intervene
are frequented by immense numbers of black-necked swans
{Anser nigrioollis) : hundreds were seen together; they appeared
not at all wild when we first passed; but, on our return,
there was no approaching them within musket shot. Many
ducks and coots were also observed. On a rock, near the Oliver
Islands, was a small ‘ rookery ’ of hair-seal; and, in our progress
down the sound, we passed some few shags and divers. This
is the enumeration of all we saw, and these few species seem
to possess, undisturbed, this Obstruction Sound; for we neither
observed any -wigwams, nor saw any traces of inhabitants.
“ Having no interest in remaining, after some necessary
angles were taken on Meta Islet, we commenced our return;
and, with a fair wind, made good progress, landing only where
it was necessary for angles, and reached the vessel on the evening
of the next day (l6th). I have fully stated the examination of
this sound, and have been, perhaps, unnecessarily particular
and difiuse; but I think that when its near approach to the
Skyring Water is known by others, it wiU be considered very
singular that no communication exists between them. To every
one on board the Adelaide it was a great disappointment. The
only inlet now remaining to be explored was through the S. S.E.
opening, east of Point Return ; which, on the 18th, I went to
examine. Mr. Kirke returned on the same day as myself, having
traced the coast as far as he had been directed, and found the
large expanse of Disappointment Bay nearly bounded by a fiat
stony beach; and the water so shallow, that even his whaleboat
could seldom approach the shore within a quarter of a
mile ; but he had left a small opening in the N.E. unexplored,
which, as our last hope, I thought it necessary to examine;
and he went for that purpose the next morning. Situated as we
were, we had great reason to be very earnest in the search for
a passage; and, I think, that no channel into the Skyring
Water, however small and intricate, would have heen left unattempted
at this crisis. During the vessel’s continuance in
Easter Bay, the men, who remained on board, were employed
in clearing the hold, and completing wood and water to the
utmost, in order that we might not be delayed at any anchorage
after our departure thence.
“ On the 18th, I went, in a boat, down the opening east of
Point Return; and by noon reached Virginia Island. Two miles
to the southward the channel branches to the S.E., and to the
S .W .; I followed the latter branch, landing where necessary to
continue the angles, and arrived in the evening at the extremity,
which was closed by low land ; in the middle was a wide and
rapid stream. The slot of a deer was seen along the margin of
the shore. Next day we proceeded down the S.E. branch to
the Centre Island, thence steered towards an opening that
appeared in the S.W., and passing through a narrow winding
passage, entered a large bay, which was closed at the bottom
by low land, similarly to the branch examined yesterday.
Only an opening to the N.E. now remained to be explored;
but night coming on, we hauled up in Tranquil Bay, near
the northern extremity. The N.E. opening was found to
trend eastward for three miles, and then turn to the S.E.,
forming an extensive bay, whose shores were encircled by
low land, and only separated from Obstruction Sound, by an
isthmus two miles broad. Our search being concluded, I hastened
back, and arrived on board the schooner late in the evening.
Finding Mr. Kirke had not returned, I still entertained
some little hope, and the vessel was prepared to move either
one way or the other as soon as he came back.
“ Late on the 21st, Mr. Kirke arrived. The opening in the
N.E. had been traced for nearly thirty miles from the entrance,
first to the N.E., and then to the AV.N.W., till it was closed
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