FRIENDLINESS OF THE NATIVES 199 



stored yams and tarus, wood and water, with a ton or 

 two of stones to throw down at their enemies ; and 

 spears, in bundles, for the same purpose. The plat- 

 form of sticks, below the house, is used to stand upon 

 when throwing stones and spears ; and with their 

 primitive methods of cutting down trees, these houses 

 must be almost impregnable to an enemy. 



We put up our tent near the village, and concluded to 

 wait for Armit and his men, rather than go any farther. 

 Shelley started for the port with several native men, 

 to bring up food and ammunition for our use ; and 

 came back with a good supply, late on the evening of 

 the same day. 



We were well pleased with the natives; for they 

 were so honest that we never lost anything, although 

 we frequently left our things in the tent while off col- 

 lecting about the country. 



They had a curious way of slapping themselves on 

 the hip, when at all excited; and one old fellow, who 

 rather prided himself on this accomplishment, could 

 make a crack like the report of a pistol in this manner. 



The first thing they do on seeing a stranger is to ask 

 his name, and if he is hungry. 



We shot several kangaroos for them, with which 

 they were greatly pleased, and they kept us well 

 supplied with sweet potatoes and sugar-cane. 



They called father Mr. Dennis ; Shelley's name they 

 managed very well; but mine they worked industri- 



