NAEEATIVE OF ME. CAEEON. 121 



shallow, in consequence of which the vessel could 

 not approach close inshore, but was compelled to 

 cast anchor about a quarter of a mile off, and this 

 distance the horses had to swim. 



In the afternoon the vessel was anchored off the 

 landing- place, and early on the following morning 

 (May 24th), the tents, tether ropes, and sheepfold 

 were taken ashore, with a party to take care of the 

 horses when landed. At ten o'clock a.m., slings 

 having been prepared, we commenced hoisting the 

 horses out of the hold, and lowering them into the 

 water alongside a boat, to the stern of which the 

 head of each horse was secured, as it was pulled 

 ashore. One horse was drowned in landing, but all 

 the others v.ere safely taken ashore during the day. 

 The weather this day was very cold, \Aith occasional 

 showers of rain. 



During- the time occupied by landing the horses, 

 a number of aboriginal natives assembled on the 

 beach ; they evinced no symptom of hostility, but 

 appeared much surprised at our horses and sheep. 

 White men they had frequent!}' seen before, as 

 parties have landed on the beach from surveying- 

 vessels. 



We found no difficultj^ in making them compre- 

 hend that we desired to be friendly with them, and 

 they advanced towards us with g-reen boughs in 

 their hands, which they displaj'ed as emblems of 

 peace. We met them with our arms extended and 

 our hands open, indicating that we had no imple- 



