VISITED BY NATIVES. 19 



We were rather surprised on the 24th, to expe- 

 rience a squall from the eastward about midnight, 

 a regular occurrence on the North-west coast in 

 January and February only. 



On the 24th a party of natives made their appear- 

 ance on Point Emery. Their voices, shrill like those 

 of all their fellows, were heard before they were seen. 

 With these it was particularly so, though on all 

 occasions the speaking, and hallooing of the Abo- 

 rigines can be heard at a very considerable distance. 

 They were found, when on shore, to be of the party 

 we had before seen in Shoal Bay, with the addition 

 of five strange men. All appeared actuated by the 

 same friendly disposition, a very strong indication of 

 which was their presenting themselves without 

 spears.* Like most others on that coast, they had 

 apiece of bamboo, eighteen inches long, run through 

 the cartilage of the nose. Their astonishment at 

 the size of the wells was highly amusing ; sudden 

 exclamations of surprise and admiration burst from 

 their lips, while the varied expressions and play of 

 countenance, shewed how strongly their feelings 

 were at work within. 



It is very singular, and not very susceptible of 

 explanation, that although they climb tall trees by 



* Speaking of natives appearing without spears, reminds me 

 to mention for the information of future explorers, that their 

 arms are always near at hand. They even trail them sometimes 

 between their toes, a fact which travellers should ever bear in 

 mind. 



c 2 



