ht meet a great
current setting to the south yesterday, because there is a constant
current setting out from among those islands we passed through between
Timor and the isles to the west of it, and it is probable, in all the
other openings between the islands, even from the east end of Java to the
end of all that range that runs from thence, both to the east and west of
Timor; but, being got so far out to sea as we were, though there may be a
very great current, yet it does not seem probable to me that it should be
of so great strength as we now found: for both currents and tides lose
their force in the open sea where they have room to spread; and it is
only in narrow places or near headlands that their force is chiefly felt.
Besides, in my opinion, it should here rather set to the west than south;
being open to the narrow sea that divides New Holland from the range of
islands before mentioned.

The 27th we found that in the last 24 hours we had gone 9 miles less
south than the log gave: so that it is probable we were then out of the
southern current which we felt so much before. We saw many tropic-birds
about us. And found variation 1 degree 25 minutes west.

WHALES.

On June the 1st we saw several whales, the first we had at this time seen
on the coast: but when we were here before we saw many; at which time we
were nearer the shore than now. The variation now was 5 degrees 38
minutes west.

COAST OF NEW HOLLAND.

I designed to have made New Holland in about the latitude of 20 degrees,
and steered courses by day to make it, but in the night could not be so
bold; especially since we had sounding. This afternoon I steered in
south-west till 6 o'clock; then, it blowing fresh and night coming on, I
steered west-south-west till we had 40 fathom; and then stood west, which
course carries alongshore. In the morning again from 6 to 12 I steered
west-south-west to have made the land but, not seeing it, I judged we
were to the west of it. Here is very good soundings on this coast. When
we passed this way to the eastward we had, near this latitude of 19
degrees 50 minutes 38 fathom, about 18 leagues from the land: but this
time we saw not the land. The next morning I saw a great many
scuttle-fish bones which was a sign that we were not far from the land.
Also a great many weeds continually floating by us.

We found the variation increase considerably as we went westward. For on
the 3rd it was 6 degrees 10 minutes west; on