East Coast, Sf V. D.'s Land.] INTRODUCTION. xeh 
in Tom Thumb. Our two conductors then quitted the boat to walk B.vss and 
along the sandy shore abreast, with eight or ten strange natives in ^IST* 
company. 
After rowing a mile up the stream, and finding it to become more 
shallow, we began to entertain doubts of securing a retreat from 
these people, should they be hostilely inclined ; and they had the 
reputation at Port Jackson of being exceedingly ferocious, if not can- 
nibals. Our muskets were not yet freed from rust and sand, and 
there was a pressing necessity to procure fresh water before attempt- 
ing to return northward. Under these embarrassments, we agreed 
upon a plan of action, and went on shore directly to the natives. 
Mr. Bass employed some of them to assist in repairing an oar which 
had been broken in our disaster, whilst I spread the wet powder out 
m the sun. This met with no opposition, for they knew not what the 
powder was ; but when we proceeded to clean the muskets, it excited 
so much alarm that it was necessary to desist. On inquiring of the 
two friendly natives for water, they pointed upwards to the lagoon ; 
but after many evasions our barica* was filled at a hole not many 
yards distant. 
The number of people had increased to near twenty, and others 
were still coming, so that it was necesssary to use all possible expe- 
dition in getting out of their reach. But a new employment arose 
upon our hands : we had clipped the hair and beards of the two 
Botany-Bay natives at Red Point ; and they were shewing themselves 
to the others, and persuading them to follow their example. Whilst, 
therefore, the powder was drying, I began with a large pair of 
scissars to execute my new office upon the eldest of four or five chins 
presented to me ; and as great nicety was not required, the shearing 
of a dozen of them did not occupy me long. Some of the more timid 
were alarmed at a formidable instrument coming so near to their 
noses, and would scarcely be persuaded by their shaven friends, to 
allow the operation to be finished. But when their chins were held 
* A small cask, containing six or eight gallons. 
