200 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
1819. we observed several natives walking on the 
June 19. shore ; and, upon our anchoring, a party was 
also seen collected round their huts, on the sandy 
beach at the west end of Goold Island ; and near 
them were seven canoes hauled up above the tide 
mark; they had kindled a fire to attract our 
attention, but the day was too far advanced to 
allow communicating with them that evening. 
20 At daylight the following morning I was 
much surprised by being told that five canoes 
were paddling off to the cutter, four of which only 
held each one native, but the fifth being rather 
larger contained two. 
On approaching the cutter they laid off until 
invited to come alongside; when they approached 
without the least alarm or hesitation, and made 
signs for something to eat; some biscuit was 
given to them which they ate and, unlike all 
other Australian savages, appeared to relish its 
taste. Some little persuasion was necessary to 
induce them to venture on board ; but, as soon 
as one mounted the ladder the others followed. 
Their astonishment was considerably excited at 
