COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
65 
make annual visits to this part of the coast in large 1 si s. 
fleets, to fish for beche de mer. March 28. 
Among the relics were old broken joints of 
bamboo, which the Malays use to carry their wa- 
ter in, some worn out cordage and a cocoa-nut, 
which had perhaps been left behind by accident. 
The traces appeared to be of so recent a date, 
that we conjectured the fleet was but a short 
distance to the eastward of the islands, and as 
the easterly monsoon had commenced, we were 
naturally in daily expectation of being overtaken 
by them. Our operations, therefore, were hurried, 
since we could not tell what might be the result 
of encountering them, as we were totally incapable 
of defending ourselves, should they be mischie- 
vously inclined. A look-out was therefore kept 
for their approach, and our people were held as 
much as possible within sight, so that we might 
be prepared to weigh and leave the place as soon 
as they should make their appearance. 
The hole which had been dug for water was 
half full, but it was so brackish as to be quite 
unfit for use. 
Upon further search a small pond was found 
by Mr. Cunningham in a hollow, at the back of 
the beach ; but in the course of the day a run of 
water was discovered by Boongaree, at the north 
Vol. I. F 
