COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
3G7 
this being the same season, we were disap- 182 °- 
pointed in not obtaining any. On the return of July 29 . 
the boat, she was placed in some danger from 
the number of whales, of the fin-back species, 
that were sporting about the surface of the water, 
and occasionally leaping out of it, and lashing 
the sea with their enormous fins. 
On the 30th, having hitherto carried on our 3 o. 
occupation without seeing or hearing any thing 
of the natives, whilst 1 was busily employed with 
Mr. Roe in observing the sun’s meridional al- 
titude, I happened on looking round to espy five 
natives standing about forty or fifty yards off 
among the high grass, watching our movements. 
As soon as they perceived we had discovered 
them, they began to repeat the word itchew 
(friend) and to pat their breasts, thereby inti- 
mating that their visit had no hostile motive. As 
the sun was rapidly approaching its meridian, 
I called Mr. Bedwell from on board to amuse 
them until our observations were completed. 
The only weapons they appeared to carry were 
throwing sticks, which we easily obtained in ex- 
change for some grains of Indian corn. 
A few words were obtained by Mr. Cunning- 
ham, which served to confirm many we had pos- 
sessed ourselves of last year ; and which, being 
afterwards compared with the vocabulary of the 
