146 A VOYAGE TO [South Coast 
1802. the natives been discovered. This morning, however, three or four 
March. , 0 
Thursday 4. were heard calling to a boat, as was supposed, which had just 
landed ; but they presently walked away, or perhaps retired into 
the wood to observe our movements. No attempt was made to follow 
them, for I had always found the natives of this country to avoid 
those who seemed anxious for communication ; whereas, when left 
entirely alone, they would usually come down after having watched 
us for a few days. Nor does this conduct seem to be unnatural ; 
for what, in such case, would be the conduct of any people, ourselves 
for instance, were we living in a state of nature, frequently at war 
with our neighbours, and ignorant of the existence of any other 
nation ? On the arrival of strangers, so different in complexion and 
appearance to ourselves, having power to transport themselves over, 
and even living upon an element which to us was impassable ; the 
first sensation would probably be terror, and the first movement 
flight. We should watch these extraordinary people from our 
retreats in the woods and rocks, and if we found ourselves sought 
and pursued by them, should conclude their designs to be inimical ; 
but if, on the contrary, we saw them quietly employed in occupations 
which had no reference to us, curiosity would get the better of fear; 
and after observing them more closely, we should ourselves seek a 
communication. Such seemed to have been the conduct of these 
Australians ; and I am persuaded that their appearance on the morn- 
ing when the tents were struck, was a prelude to their coming down; 
and that had we remained a few clays longer, a friendly communication 
would have ensued. The way was, however, prepared for the next 
ship which may enter this port, as it was to us in King George's 
Sound by captain Vancouver and the ship Elligood ; to whose pre- 
vious visits and peaceable conduct we were most probably indebted 
for our early intercourse with the inhabitants of that place. So far 
as could be perceived with a glass, the natives of this port were the 
same in personal appearance as those of King George's Sound and 
Port Jackson. In the hope of conciliating their good will to sue- 
