NEW GT7IXEA, 
gent officers of whom the Dutch royal navy has latterly 
presented so many favourable examples. Aiid it should 
be mentioned that the information furnished by the 
Dutch expeditions is particularly v^uable, as they are 
always provided with interpreters well experienced in 
intercourse with the Papuans; and although they may 
sometimes be unable to hold a conversation w^ith tribes 
hitherto unacquainted with strangers, still their general 
knowledge of Papuan customs prevents voyagers from 
falling into those errors which the most careful are liable 
to, if brought into communication with strange tribes 
without the assistance of persons acquainted with their 
general habits. 
The 'Triton^ entered the Dourga Strait, which lies in 
lat. 7° 28' S., and long. 138° 58' E., on the 21st of 
May, 1828; and after examining a creek vrithout meeting 
with any other traces of people than foot-marks on the 
muddy banks, they were preparing to leave the spot, and 
proceed farther up the strait, when the natives made 
their appearance. But I prefer giving Mr. Modera^a own 
account of the interview. Scarcely, however, had we 
commenced getting up the anchor, when seven men were 
seen on the shore, who ran out into the water as far as 
they could, shouting loudly, and making all sorts of droll 
and uncouth gestures. Weighing anchor was deferred, 
and it was arranged that the Commissioner Van Delden 
should proceed towards the shore, sending the native 
interpreter in advance in a small canoe to open a commu- 
nication with the natives. The Lieutenant Modera (the 
narrator) was ordered away with an armed boat to cover 
