3o4f HISTORY Otf 



their song at the octave, which they accompa- 

 nied by slow and graceful motions, their hands 

 being held in a supplicating posture, and the 

 tone and manner of their song and gestures 

 seemed to bespeak the good will of their au- 

 ditors. Observing they were paid attention to, 

 they each selected one of out people, and placed 

 his mouth close to his ear, as if to produce a 

 greater effect, or teach them the song, which 

 their silent attention might seem to express a 

 desire to learn. In return for the pleasure 

 they afforded, Lieut. Flinders gave them 

 some worsted caps, and old blanket trowsers, 

 with which they were greatly gratified. Other 

 natives soon made their appearance, but it Was 

 some little time before they overcame their dread 

 of approaching those strangers with fire-arms ; 

 but, encouraged by the three who were with 

 them, they came up, and a general song and 

 dance commenced. 



Among those who last came, three were re- 

 markable for their large heads ; and the face of 

 one was so very rough, that it had much more 

 the appearance of a baboon than of a human 

 being. He was covered with oil and soot; hi! 

 hair matted with filth ; his visage, even compar 

 ed with his fellow countrymen's was uncom- 

 monly ferocious ; and his large mouth, besel 

 w r ith teeth of various filthy hues between black, 

 white, green, and yellow, and sometimes smile< 

 in a >ray which might make any one shudder. 



Among other friendly interchanges, the^ 

 learned the names of Lieut. Flinders and his 



