decomposition, with a darker kind of marl, in which were small bits of mica, for a depth of sixteen feet, the remaining portion of two or three being a sandy mud, apparently of the consistency of clay and of a light grey colour.  The position of this well is in a small valley at the east end of the first sandy bay within Point Emery, in the centre of which the observations were made, placing it in latitude 12 degrees 27 minutes 45 seconds, longitude 1 degree 19 minutes 40 seconds, East of Port Essington.

On this beach several unsuccessful hauls were made with the seine, though a few rare and curious fish were taken, which Lieutenant Emery added to his collection of coloured drawings of Australian fish; some of them will be found in the appendix to this volume.  Mr. Bynoe also obtained specimens of one or two rare birds; the large red-necked vampire of the Adelaide River, and the cream-coloured pigeon before alluded to, were also seen by him, being the farthest south the latter was met with by us.

Brilliant meteors.

Some brilliant meteors were observed during our stay, one in particular on the evening of the 20th, in the West-North-West.  It fell from the zenith at an angle of about twenty degrees from a vertical line.  The descent was marked by a long train of light, visible ten seconds, while others of less brilliancy followed from the same place within an hour.  Again on the 23rd, was the dark vault of heaven illumined about the same time in a similar manner, as well as on the 28th; the number of meteors being the same on each day.

We were rather surprised on the 24th, to experience a squall from the eastward about midnight, a regular occurrence on the North-west coast in January and February only.

Visited by natives.

On the 24th a party of natives made their appearance on Point Emery.  Their voices, shrill like those of all their fellows, were heard before they were seen.  With these it was particularly so, though on all occasions the speaking, and hallooing of the Aborigines can be heard at a very considerable distance.  They were found, when on shore, to be of the party we had before seen in Shoal Bay, with the addition of five strange men.  All appeared actuated by the same friendly disposition, a very strong indication of which was their presenting themselves without spears.* Like most others on that coast, they had apiece of bamboo, eighteen inches long, run through the cartilage of the nose.  Their astonishment at the size of the wells was highly amusing; sudden exclamations of surprise and admiration burst from their lips, while the varied expressions and play of countenance, showed how strongly their feelings were at work within.

(Footnote.  Speaking of natives appearing without spears, reminds me to mention for the information of future explorers, that their arms are always near at hand.  They even trail them sometimes between their toes, a fact which travellers should ever bear in mind.)