104 



A DIARY OF THE 



Molquilla, particularly clothing and small par- 

 cels of private property. They had also at- 

 tempted to secrete a cask of spirits, by dropping 

 it in the woods, and not making their appear- 

 ance at the camp. We, however, sent a party 

 out, and, with a few mules, found the rum, and 

 brought it away in small barrels. 



On a high headland, immediately above the 

 camp, we erected a flag-staff, on which we kept 

 a flag constantly flying, and a strict look-out to 

 seaward. This hill had a commanding view, 

 not only of the sea, but over the surrounding 

 country, including the river and camp ; and w^as 

 peculiarly adapted to our purpose, as a spot to 

 establish our look-out. The ascent to it from 

 the camp was abrupt and laborious, though only 

 at a short distance. It was to be got at more 

 easily by making a little circuit through the 

 wood in the rear of us. The timber which com- 

 posed the forests with which we were encircled 

 was principally myrtle and evergreen oaks, and 

 of great variety. Large tracts of land were 

 free from timber ; and the soil was filled with 

 various bulbous roots, several specimens of 

 grasses, abundance of strawberry plants, and an 

 infinity of flowering shrubs and creepers. 



