CORDIALITY OF THE NATIVES. 
183 
to include its whole extent in one sweeping clause of con- 
demnation. 
On the 14th, the wind still continued to blow fresh from 
the N.W. It moderated at noon, and assisted us beyond 
measure. We passed our first encampment, but did not 
see any natives. 
On tbe 15th, the wind was variable at daylight, and a 
dense fog was on the river. As the sun rose, it was dissi- 
pated and a light breeze sprung up from W.S.W. We ran 
up the stream with a free sheet for six hours, when we 
stopped for a short time to get the kettle boiled. Four 
natives joined us, but with the exception of the lowest tribe 
upon the right bank, we had not seen any number. We 
were extremely liberal to this tribe, in consequence of the 
satisfaction they evinced at our return. We had alarmed 
them much on our passage down the river by firing at a 
snake that was swimming across it. We, at first, at- 
tempted to kill it with the boat-hook, but the animal dived 
at our approach, and appeared again at a considerable 
distance. Another such dive would have ensured his 
escape, but a shot effectually checked him, and as the 
natives evinced considerable alarm, we held him up, to 
shew them the object of our proceedings. On our re- 
turn, they seemed to have forgotten their fright, and re- 
ceived us with every demonstration of joy. The different 
receptions we met with from different tribes are difficult 
to be accounted for. 
The country appeared to rise before us, and looked more 
