being principally occupied by a mediterranean sea; but it was generally
agreed, that one end of the separating channels, or otherwise the
entrance, if such existed, into the supposed sea, would most likely be
found in this unexplored part of the South Coast.

Besides the solution of this important geographical problem, something
remained to be done upon the parts already seen. The main land behind the
first archipelago, as also the inner islands, were yet to be examined for
harbours, where refreshment for ships might be obtained; a comparison of
the persons and usages of the inhabitants, with those in other parts of
this vast country, was desirable; and, although little utility could be
drawn from the known productions at the two points visited, it might
reasonably be hoped, that an investigation of a coast so extensive, would
not fail to produce much useful information.

Many circumstances, indeed, united to render the south coast of Terra
Australis one of the most interesting parts of the globe, to which
discovery could be directed at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Its investigation had formed a part of the instructions to the
unfortunate French navigator La Pérouse, and afterwards of those to his
countryman D'Entrecasteaux; and it was, not without some reason,
attributed to England as a reproach, that an imaginary line of more than
two hundred and fifty leagues extent, in the vicinity of of one of her
colonies, should have been so long suffered to remain traced upon the
charts, under the title Of UNKNOWN COAST. This comported ill with her
reputation as the first of maritime powers; and to do it away was,
accordingly, a leading point in the instructions given to the
Investigator.

PRIOR DISCOVERIES IN TERRA AUSTRALIS.