200 A CONFLAGRATION. 



kindled, and in a few minutes the cliffs resounded 

 with the noise of the flames, as they darted fiercely 

 upwards, revealing their riven sides, and occasionally 

 bursting out behind large masses of strange figured 

 rocks to the no slight risk of our sportsmen, who 

 were perched upon them. Sea birds, frightened from 

 their resting places, screamed fearfully, and the 

 dismal howl of the wild dog, equally alarmed, 

 sometimes fell on the ear amidst the roaring of the 

 dangerous element, which in the intense darkness 

 of the night we could not but admire. Whilst 

 gazing on this wild scene, I could not help specu- 

 lating on the probable cause the natives would 

 assign for this great conflagration; the bright 

 o'lare of which must have extended over several 

 miles of country, perhaps alarming and doubtless 

 causing deep consultation amongst the wise men of 

 their tribes. It may also have taxed their power 

 of invention, as they never use large fires in the night, 

 except in wild stormy weather, when the creaking 

 trees, and moaning wind, give ihem a dread of 

 a visit from the Evil Spirit. 



April 13. — Being anxious to examine the range 

 over the cove, I desired Mr. Helpman to explore the 

 N.E. corner of this large bay, and the main lying 

 behind the islands, fronting the coast to the north- 

 ward of it. We accordingly moved off on our several 

 occupations at an early hour. After much difficulty 

 Mr. Fitzmaurice and myself fouml ourselves on a 

 table land of sandstone formation, elevated by mea- 



