The channel between the island and the main appearing clear, we did not hesitate to pass through, and within half a mile of the island, where the channel was evidently the deepest, we sounded in eight and nine fathoms.

As soon as we entered the opening it assumed a similar appearance to that of the river we examined yesterday, but it was very much more considerable and excited very sanguine hopes in our minds.

Besides the low island above-mentioned there is another of smaller size between it and the west point of entrance; so that there are three entrances.

The islands were called Barron and Field Islands, after my friend, then presiding as Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
As we proceeded, the depth continued to be so even, and to shoal so gradually, that we ran up it for six miles, when, as it was near noon, we anchored and landed on the eastern bank, to observe the sun's meridional altitude; but, from the muddy state of the banks, we had great difficulty in reaching the shore.

On returning to the vessel, we sailed further up, and, at high water anchored near the end of the first reach, and made preparations for its further investigation.