Kangaroos appeared to be rather numerous in this part of Van Diemen’s Land; but as they were shy, and we had little time or necessity to go after them, one only was procured; it was of the large, forest kind, and the flesh was thought superior to that of the same animal at Port Jackson.

Ducks and teal went by flocks in Port Dalrymple; but they were shy, and we took no trouble after them.  The white-bellied shag, and the black and pied red bills were common in the lower parts of the port, and some pelicans were seen upon the shoals.  The large black shag, usually found in rivers, was seen in different parts of the Tamar; and upon another occasion, we found these birds to be tolerable food.

Neither our wants nor leisure were sufficient to induce any attempt to catch fish.  Muscles were abundant upon those rocks which are overflowed by the tide; and the natives appeared to get oysters by diving, the shells having been found near their fire places.

The country round Port Dalrymple has, in general, a pleasing and fertile appearance; nor did examination prove it to be deceitful.  But this subject, and what concerns the natives, came more particularly within the department of Mr. Bass; and his observations upon them having been published, I proceed to the continuation of the voyage.

Dec. 3, in the evening, the Norfolk was lying at anchor off the entrance of the port, when a breeze sprung up from the north-eastward, and enabled us to proceed along the coast.  At dusk, Low Head bore S. 77 deg.  E. six miles, and we then hauled off for the night.  The shore on the west side of Port Dalrymple falls back to the southward and forms a bight under the high land, where it is possible there may be some small opening; for the haziness of the weather did not allow the coast line to be distinctly traced.  Upon the back mountains are many variously-shaped tops, of which the easternmost bore S. 5 deg.  E., and a flat one towards the other end of the ridge, S. 38 deg.  W. The furthest land which could be seen was a round hill, making like an island, and bore very nearly west from the mast head.

Dec. 4.  We resumed our course westward, but the wind being at N. N. E., did not dare to approach very near the shore.  At noon, the observed latitude was 40 deg. 58’, and the hills on the west side of Port Dalrymple bore S. 65 deg.  E. five or six leagues.  From thence to S. 38 deg.  W., where another chain of hills came down to the sea, the country is well wooded, and lies in hills and vallies.  The Round Hill bore S. 65 deg.  W. five or six leagues, and in the evening, when three leagues distant, the low land connecting it with the main was visible.

During the night, and next day, Dec. 5, the winds were light and variable, so that we made little progress.  At noon, the furthest land seen to the westward appeared like a small flat-topped island, but being found to be connected with the main land, received the descriptive name of Circular Head; a nearer projection, of a jagged appearance, was called Rocky Cape, and a steep cliffy head still nearer, Table Cape, from its flat top.  Our situation was then as under;