WARLIKE DEMEANOUR OF THE NATIVES. 
The flat we were approaching was a mud-flat, and, from 
its appearance, the tide was certainly at the ebb. We 
observed some cradles, or wicker frames, placed far below 
high water-mark, that were each guarded by two natives, 
who threatened us violently as we approached. In running 
along the land, the stench from them plainly indicated 
what they were which these poor creatures were so anxi- 
ously watching. 
We steered a S.W. course, towards some low and wooded 
hills, passing a rocky island, and found that we had struck 
the mouth of a channel running to the W.S.W. It was 
about half-a-mile wide, was bounded to the right by some 
open flat ground, and to the left by a line of hills of about 
sixty or seventy feet in elevation, partly open and partly 
covered with beefwood. 
Upon the first of these hills, we observed a large body of 
natives, who set up the most terrific yells as we approached. 
They were fully equipped for battle, and, as we neared 
the shore, came down to meet us with the most violent 
threats. I wished much to communicate with them, and, 
not without hopes of quieting them, stood right in with 
the intention of landing. I observed, however, that if I 
did so, I should have to protect myself. I hauled a little 
off, and endeavoured, by holding up a branch and a toma- 
hawk, to gain their confidence, but they were not to be 
won over by any shew of pacification. An eldeily man 
walked close to the water’s edge unarmed, and, evidently f 
directed the others. He was followed by seven or eight ot 
