hope of its being of great importance, perhaps indeed the mouth of a
river. Passing between Clump and Quoin Islands, we anchored midway
between the latter and Driftwood Island, a proceeding which the approach
of high-water rendered necessary, as from the great fall of the tide we
were obliged at that time to have at least seven fathoms. We were now
surrounded on all sides by flat shores, and from the masthead, I could
trace the low land forming the western side of the principal channel. The
high land south of McAdam Range, was found to terminate in a remarkable
peak, which in the certainty of our search proving successful, we named
River Peak. It was almost blended in one with a range beyond, yet the
fact of the distance which really existed between them, did not escape
our anxious observation; and it was indeed in the different shade of
these two ranges, one being less distinct than the other, that we found
ample confirmation of our hopes.

PREPARATIONS FOR EXPLORING.

It was soon arranged that Captain Wickham and myself, should at once
dispel all doubts, and that next morning, Messrs. Fitzmaurice and Keys
should start to explore the river-like opening, under the south end of
McAdam Range, to which we have above alluded.

DISCOVERY OF THE VICTORIA.

Our preparations were rapidly made, a few days provisions were stowed
away in the boat, and as the western sky glowed red in the expiring light
of day, the gig was running before a north-west breeze, for the chasm in
the distant high land, bearing South 20 degrees East, twelve miles from
the ship. As we advanced, the separations in the range became more marked
and distinct, as long as the light served us, but presently darkness