Whatever may exist behind these islands, which we were prevented by our poverty in anchors and other circumstances from exploring, there are certainly some openings of importance; and it is not at all improbable that there may be a communication at this part with the interior for a considerable distance from the coast.
The examination of the western coast was performed during an almost continued gale of wind, so that we had no opportunity of making any very careful observation upon its shores.

There can however be very little more worth knowing of them, as I apprehend the difficulty of landing is too great ever to expect to gain much information; for it is only in Shark's Bay that a vessel can anchor with safety.
With respect to the subjects of natural history that have been procured upon the voyage, it is much to be lamented that the small size of the vessel and our constant professional duties prevented my extending them.
Of quadrupeds we saw but few.

Birds were very numerous but the operation of skinning and preserving them would have taken up more time than could be afforded.

A few insects, some shells, and a small series of specimens of the geology of the parts we landed at were among the only things obtained, excepting the extensive and valuable collection of plants formed by Mr.Cunningham which are now in the possession of Mr.Aiton, of the Royal Gardens at Kew; for which establishment it would seem that they were solely procured.

It was in fact the only department of natural history in which any pains were taken and for which every assistance was rendered.