COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
407 
yards wide, and so soft as to prevent landing. 1820- 
Whilst he was employed at the summit of the Sept. 12. 
hill in taking bearings, twelve natives with two 
dogs made their appearance on the opposite 
shore, which was separated from the hill on 
which Mr. Roe landed by a soft mud flat. The 
natives attempted to cross to him, shouting loudly 
as they advanced, but when half way over they 
desisted and slowly returned. When Mr. Roe 
descended, he perceived several fresh prints of 
the human foot on the mud, from which he sup- 
posed that there were already some natives upon 
the island. There were several large fires burn- 
ing in various directions, and one was kindled 
by the natives on the opposite bank*. 
A snake about seven feet long was the only 
animal our party saw, but the dung of the kan- 
garoo was as usual plentifully spread in all 
directions. 
From this station, which was seven miles from 
the mouth, they followed the course of the river, 
first on an easterly direction for ten miles, and 
then it took a sudden turn to the southward and 
* The natives of this part were seen by Tasman, according’ 
to the following note of Burgo-master Witsen, as published in 
Mr. Dalrymple’s Papua. “ In 14° 58' S., longitude 138° 59', 
(about 125° E.) the people are savage, and go naked : none can 
understand them.” 
