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Heirisson

Chart of the Swan River, Francois-Antoine Boniface Heirisson, 1801. Freycinet Collection, Battye Library [014003D]

The first detailed map of the Swan River was drawn by François-Antoine Boniface Heirisson of the Naturaliste from direct observation after his journey by longboat along the Swan River in June 1801. Heirisson included the chart soundings along the entire length of his journey, referring to the topography of the mouth of the river (the bar) and to features along its course. They discovered the entrance to the Canning River, naming it Moreau Entrance. The series of low flat islands covered with mud that the party crossed with difficulty, they named Heirisson Islands.

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Page last updated: Tuesday 23 November 2010 by Nick Cowie Asset ID 13108
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