544 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 



growth, except in swampy depressions and along watercourses. The 

 country is practically all timbered, the trees are some distance apart 

 and between them grows the high grass which is periodically burnt 

 ofl:. Palms, fern palms, and pandanus appear here and there, but the 

 country is rightly termed '" open forest country." 



We stood on this plateau, with the ordinary open forest of tall 

 trees around us, and it was hard to realise that the whole of this point 

 had at one time been cleared of timber, and on it had been fixed the 

 homes of 130 white people. 



Soon we came to the remains of the old fort. The ditch and earth- 

 works were in a good state, the former averages about 6ft. deep (it 

 Avas originally 10ft.), and in places is faced with stone. It measures 

 50yds. by 75yds., the larger side being parallel with the sea frontage 

 of the point. The circular earthworks of the bastions (for it was a 

 two gun fort) were remaining at the two sea-front corners. Large 

 trees were growing in the ditch, and in the middle on the land side 

 could be seen where the entrance had been situated. "W'andering on 

 we found the well ; a big tree was growing out of it, having rooted 

 down about 6ft. from the surface. Further on the ruins of an old stone 

 building were seen — probably the church — then returning towards 

 King's Cove we followed what was once a road, as shown by bits, of 

 retaining wall here and there. There were also some stone enclosures, 

 most likely used for the live stock, and at the north corner of Point 

 Barlow the stone part of the wharf could be traced. 



Fort Dundas was a settlement that failed entirely. First of all 

 it was in the wrong place for anything but a hermit retreat ; any ships 

 that might pass would, of course, sail away to the north of Melville 

 Island, and the navigation of both ends of Apsley Strait is ver}^ difhcult, 

 owing to the shoals at the north-west and rocks at the south-east. 

 The garrison did practically no land exploration; they seemed to have 

 had not the least enthusiasm or energy in finding out the possibilities 

 of the country ; they only wanted to get away from it. 



It was stated that one commandant was never more than half a 

 mile away from his house, and another one writes that he was unable 

 to be absent more than 24 hours at a time on his land expeditions. 

 The gallant oiiicer might just as well have stayed at home. They 

 were on bad terms with the natives from the very start, and I do not 

 think I am expressing it too strongly when I say that it seems to me 

 that by their want of tact, timidity and brutality — brutality probably 

 caused timidity- -they aroused the bitter hostility which continues in 

 these natives to this day. Only two aboriginal women were seen 

 during the whole four years" stay of the garrison on the island. Those 

 who have any experience of natives will know what this means ; and 

 up to the last, just before the place was abandoned, spears would be 

 occasionally thrown into the hospital and huts by lurking natives. 



I make the following extract from a very interesting book, en- 

 titled " A Voyage Round the World," published by Dr. T. B. Wilson, 

 K.iN., who was at RalHes Bay in 18211. Referring to Fort Dundas he 



