VISITED BY NATIVES. 91 



mouths of both were fronted with rocky ledges. We 

 anchored here, soon after mid-day, and had every 

 reason to be satisfied with our berth. Beagle Bay 

 is about three miles broad and seven deep ; the 

 country around is low and open, and traces of water 

 deposit were visible in several spots to indicate its 

 dangerous proximity to the sea. The smaller 

 shrubs of the country were common ; and the man- 

 groves flourished in great abundance on the beach, 

 and along the little creeks that diverge from it. 

 Some large ant-hills, and very small palm trees, not 

 six feet in height, were noticed for the first time so 

 far south. During- the niorht the wind veered round 

 to S.W., and blew quite fresh, a circumstance 

 which made us additionally prize our good anchorage 

 here. We had, however, no squall, nor any dew, 

 which I should mention falls most copiously upon 

 certain nights, without any apparent indication ; to 

 these dews, the vegetation of this country, so far as 

 we can judge, seems to owe its principal nourish- 

 ment and support. 



January 25 The forenoon was devoted to the 



examination of this excellent anchorage, and a party 

 was also despatched to haul the seine. On landing 

 they were met by a party of natives, who saluted them 

 in a manner which strikingly resembled the eastern 

 mode. They had no weapon, save one kiley or 

 bomerang, and bowed down until they almost kissed 

 the water. Their speech was shrill and quick, 

 perfectly unintelligible to our friend Miago, who 



