434 THEATRICAL AMUSEMENTS. 



H. M. S. Pelorus arrived with supplies and letters 

 from Sydney. The previous grovvin^f dearth of 

 provisions had rendered it somewhat difficult to 

 secure a very happily disposed audience, an empty 

 stomach being apt to provoke fault finding ; but the 

 arrival of a ship on the very play day caused a 

 crowded and delighted attendance. Every thing 

 went off smoothly, and with hearty peals of laughter. 

 All the characters being supported by men, the 

 female personages of the drama presented a most 

 grotesque appearance ; moreover the " act drop" 

 being an old ensign, the ladies could be seen through 

 it, regaling themselves, during these intervals, with 

 a pipe. The whole affair gave infinite satisfaction, 

 while ours was greatly enhanced, and our minds 

 prepared for any duty, by the timely arrival of 

 supplies and letters, of both of which we fortunately 

 received our share. 



Our departure from Port Essington, was not 

 therefore hurried ; and I had some slight oppor- 

 tunity of adding to my knowledge, with regard to 

 the capabilities of the place, which were found to 

 grow upon acquaintance. The fact of its being well 

 fitted for the growth of cotton was in particular 

 a great additional recommendation. The sallow 

 appearance of the settlers clearly demonstrated the 

 temperature to be high, though apparently there 

 was no diminution in physical strength. It should 

 however be remembered that up to this time they 



