COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
71 
temptation was very great of firing a shot over i 82 i. 
their heads, to shew them that they were still Aug^.o. 
within our reach. As soon as they had finished 
their work, and had made about a dozen spears, 
they all got up and walked away. 
After they disappeared behind the hill, it was 
thought not unlikely that they would attack our 
people at the watering-place ; the party were 
therefore sent away in the afternoon well armed, 
but the natives did not make their appearance, 
and the boats returned at sunset without hav- 
ing been disturbed. The tide was so trifling, 
and the difficulty of loading the boat so great, 
that only ninety gallons of water were procured ; 
and as we were not likely to make quicker pro- 
gress, unless we waited for the spring-tides, we 
gave up all idea of completing our water, and 
made preparations to leave the bay. 
On the following day, (10th,) as there was no lo. 
wind all the morning, I sent for another turn of 
water, but only obtained enough for one day’s 
issue ; for the tide did not rise more than four 
feet. In the mean time I visited the extreme 
point on the west side of the bay, and examined 
in my way some openings in the land, that, 
from their appearance, promised to afford water : 
as it was low tide, I could not enter them, 
for they were blocked up by banks of sand and 
