CHAP. XXV.] MASSACRE BY PAPUANS. Ill 



tlie village were crowded together round that which 1 

 occupied, our situation was anything but agreeable. 



It seems that the viUage where the attack took place 

 (nearly opposite the small island of Lakahia) is known to 

 be dangerous, and the vessels had only gone there a few 

 days before to buy some tripang. The crew were living on 

 shore, the praus being in a small river close by, and they 

 were attacked and murdered in the day-time while bar- 

 gaining with the Papuans. The six men who survived 

 were on board the praus, and escaped by at once getting 

 into the small boat and rowing out to sea. 



This south-west part of New Guinea, known to the 

 native traders as " Papua Kowiyee " and " Papua Onen," 

 is inhabited by the most treacherous and bloodthirsty 

 tribes. It is in these districts that the commanders and 

 portions of the crews of many of the early discovery 

 ships were murdered, and scarcely a year now passes 

 but some lives are lost. The Goram and Ceram traders 

 are themselves generally inoffensive; they are well ac- 

 quainted with the character of these natives, and are 

 not likely to provoke an attack by any insults or open 

 attempt at robbery or imposition. They are accustomed 

 to visit the same places every year, and the natives can 

 have no fear of them, as may be alleged in excuse fur 

 their attacks on Europeans. In other extensive districts 

 inhabited by the same Papuan races, such as Mysol, 



