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pleted their engagements, were embarked for pass- 
age to their homes on this island, which was 
reported to be one of the most savage of the 
group. While they were on board, they were 
quiet and tractable, and relished their allowance of 
provisions greatly. Boats left the ship, taking all 
those desirous of visiting the shore, and some of the 
natives with them, as an introduction. As the land 
was approached, a tolerably fine beach was ob- 
served, backed with mountainous land covered with 
luxuriant vegetation. Our passengers were much 
alarmed at the idea of not being able to land exactly 
at their own part of the island, and it was with great 
difficulty that the boats found a convenient place. 
When a landing was at length effected, a large number 
of natives hove in sight : amongst them were two 
bearing palm-branches, supposed to indicate their 
friendly intentions, but the rest of the crowd had 
clubs, spears, bows, and arrows. They had none of 
their women or children with them, and that is 
not usually a good sign. The natives are very dark, 
almost approaching to black, and are considered as 
belonging to the Papuan race. They are described 
as hostile and treacherous in all their intercourse 
with the white man ; therefore, although their man- 
ners seemed favourable, they were not to be trusted, 
and it was not considered advisable to ramble beyond 
the beach, or out of sight of the boats and the armed 
crew. In consequence, none of the villages or houses 
