27th.—Leg.
28th.—Shoulder.
29th.—Finished the sheep, and polished the bones.
[The rest of the Journal runs on much in the same way. This specimen will probably be enough for the reader.]
CHAPTER 22.
PELICAN SHOOTING.—GALES.—WRESTLING WITH DEATH.
The large estuary of the Swan affords ample scope for boating or sailing in small pleasure-yachts.
Perth water, on the northern bank of which the capital is built, extends from two to three miles in length, and about the same distance in its broadest part, its form being that of a half moon. It is connected with Melville water by an opening of a quarter of a mile across. Melville water is some six miles long, and from three to four broad; a splendid bay, called Freshwater Bay, developes itself at the western extremity of this fine sheet of water; and the river, or estuary, here makes a turn at right angles, and pursues its course towards the sea between high precipitous rocks of marine limestone, which are from six to seven hundred yards apart.
My pleasure-boat has enabled me to pass many agreeable hours upon this estuary.
At first, especially, it was exceedingly pleasant to make expeditions for the purpose of exploring the different bays and inlets, which abounded with ducks, swans, and pelicans.