242 
SURVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL 
spears thrown upon the last occasion had sixteen 
barbs to it, but, in general, they were merely 
scraped to a sharp point, without even one 
barb, and were not thrown with any thing like 
precision or good aim, which accounts for none 
of their weapons having taken effect, although 
discharged at our people at the distance only of 
a few yards.” 
Soon after this the Tamar left Fort'Dundas 
for the India station, and despatched the Countess 
of Harcourt upon her ulterior destination. The 
settlement was left in a very forward state, and 
consisted altogether of one hundred and twenty- 
six individuals, of whom there were three or 
four women, and forty-five convicts ; the remain- 
der were composed of detachments of the 3d 
regiment (the Buffs) and of the marines, the 
latter under the command of Lieutenant William- 
son. The Lady Nelson was left with Com- 
mandant Barlow. 
Such is the state of the settlement of Fort 
Dundas, which at some future time must become 
a place of considerable consequence the eastern 
world. The soil and climate of Melville and 
Bathurst Islands are capable of growing all the 
valuable productions of the East, particularly 
spices, and many other equally important articles 
of trade: it is conveniently placed for the pro- 
