COASTS OF AUSTRALIA, 
169 
to the borders of a large circular plain, about I8I9. 
one mile in diameter, covered with reeds and May 12. 
other indications of its being a morass or lagoon. 
We then pursued our way up the river; it 
soon trended sharply round to the S.E., and 
joined the main stream, which we had unknow- 
ingly left the preceding evening. There we had 
to unload and drag the boat over a fall ; but, as 
the ascent was not more than ten or twelve inches, 
no difficulty was experienced in effecting it. 
Whilst thus employed, we were visited by ten 
natives, some of whom, by being painted and 
ornamented in a remarkable manner, were recog- 
nised as those who followed us last evening: 
their timidity was at first very great, but our con- 
duct gave them confidence, and they very soon 
came to the boat, and assisted in launching her 
into deeper water, for which service they were 
presented with fishing hooks and lines, which 
they gladly received. Every thing we said or 
did was repeated by them with the most exact 
imitation; and indeed they appeared to think 
they could not please us better than by mimicking 
every motion that we made. Some biscuit was 
given them, which they pretended to eat, but 
on our looking aside were observed to spit it 
out. They wished much to take us to their huts ; 
but, the day being much advanced, without our 
