many snags upon them; and on the coast of
Bernier Island, opposite to the main, we found the remains of large trees
which had been washed down the river and had then been drifted across the
bay. It was that circumstance which first convinced me that a large river
existed hereabouts, and induced me so minutely to examine the coast.

This occurrence of driftwood in the neighbourhood of large rivers is a
circumstance unknown upon the south-western shores of this continent. I
however observed it in Prince Regent's River and other rivers to the
north, as well as in the Arrowsmith. This latter however is the most
southern river in which I have remarked it, and it certainly is an
evidence of the existence of timber of a much lighter description than
has hitherto been known in this part of the continent.

MOUTHS OF THE GASCOYNE.

The southern mouth of the Gascoyne is however completely free from
shoals, and has seven feet water on the bar at low tide. There is also a
channel in it which has never less than this depth of water for about
four miles from its mouth, after which it is only navigable for small
boats in the dry season, and that merely for a short distance.

The greatest difficulty which presents itself in entering the southern
mouth arises from what in America are termed snags, that is, large trees,
the roots of which are firmly planted in the bed of the river, whilst the
branches project up the stream, and are likely to pierce any boat in its
passage down. These snags are however more to be feared at the time of
high-water than at any other period, for they have generally become fixed
upon shoals as they originally descended the river, and at low water can
easily be seen.

The northern mouth of the Gascoyne is more difficult of entrance than its
southern one, being narrower and more shoal. I still however think that
at high water it could be entered by small craft; but as my examination
of it was hurried and imperfect from our being pressed for provisions at
the time I was there, the opinion I have given above must be received
with caution.

Our visit to this river took place at the close of a season which had
been preceded by the driest one known since the occupation of the western
coasts by Europeans. There was consequently but little fresh water in the
bed of the river, and this only in small pools; but the breadth of its
main channel (for it sometimes had several) was where I measured it
upwards of three hu