Discoveries in Australia, Volume 2 - Discoveries in Australia; with an Account of the Coasts and Rivers - Explored and Surveyed During the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in The - Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners - Of the Admir by John Lort Stokes
page 221 of 525 (42%)
page 221 of 525 (42%)
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we had 65 fathoms, fine white sand, having deepened gradually from six
fathoms three miles north of it. In June of this year, working to the North-East we had 68 fathoms three miles West by South of that position, and 111 fathoms six miles North-West of it; beyond this no bottom was found with 120 and 150 fathoms.* (*Footnote. The following table is the result of other outer soundings obtained in the Beagle, showing how far the bank of soundings extends off the Western coast of Australia. COLUMN 1: LATITUDE SOUTH (DEGREES, MINUTES). COLUMN 2: DEPTH IN FATHOMS. COLUMN 3: QUALITY OF BOTTOM. COLUMN 4: DISTANCE FROM NEAREST LAND. 32 02 : 70 : Fine white sand and rock : Rottnest or Garden Island 20 miles. 30 55 : 86 : Fine grey sand : Main abreast 34 miles. 29 38 : 127 : Fine grey sand : Main abreast 39 miles. 26 42 : 187 : Fine grey sand : South point of Shark's Bay 37 miles. 21 14 : 111 : Fine white sand : Thevenard Island 25 miles. 20 00 : 150 : Fine white sand : Tremouille Island 35 miles. It would thus appear that a ship in less than 110 fathoms off the west shore of the continent would be within forty miles of the land; and nearly the same distance from the islands fronting it, when in about 200 fathoms between the latitudes of 19 degrees 50 minutes South and 20 degrees 10 minutes South. The bank of soundings extends further off the North-west coast, as eighty-five miles north of Depuch Island we had only 75 fathoms, fine white sand. In a south direction from that position the |
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