Flinders Journal – 7 September

Tuesday 7 September, 1802 Northumberland Islands "The island [Northumberland #7] is ... more than a mile in length, and was covered with grass, but almost destitute of wood; the rock is a greenish, speckled stone, with veins of quartz finely inserted, and is something between granite and porphyry. The 6th island is the largest of this little cluster ... and it was well covered with wood." (P56) "Of Thirsty Sound as a harbour, very little can be said in praise. ... The surrounding country is clothed with grass and wood; but on the Long-Island side the grass is coarse, the trees are thinly scattered, and the soil is every where too stony for the cultivation of grain. There were many traces of natives, though none recent. Judging from what was seen round the fire places, turtle would seem to be their principal food; and indeed several turtle were seen in the water, but we had not dexterity enough to take any of them. ... No fresh water accessible to boats could be found in the neighbourhood." (P57)

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