On the whole, notwithstanding the difficulties and disadvantages at first experienced, which, though great, were not more than must naturally be expected to occur in such an undertaking; notwithstanding the sicknesses which from various causes prevailed for some time among the people, the settlement at Sydney Cove wore a very promising aspect at the time when the last accounts were sent; and there can be no doubt that it will be found hereafter fully to answer every expectation which was formed when the design was projected.  The scantiness of the streams of fresh water was thought at first unfavourable, but good springs have since been found by digging.  The house built for Governor Phillip stands about fifty-six feet above high-water mark, and there, by sinking a well about fifteen feet in the rock, an excellent spring of pure water has been obtained.

Chapter XIV.

July 1788 to October 1788

Fish violently seized by the natives—­Another expedition of the Governor—­Further account of the manners and manufactures of the native inhabitants of New South Wales—­Difficulty of obtaining any intercourse.

9 July 1788

On the ninth of July, an effort was made by a party of natives, which seems to indicate that they were still distressed for provisions, or that they very highly resent the incroachments made upon their fishing places.  A general order had been issued to those sent out on fishing parties, to give a part of what was caught to the natives if they approached, however small the quantity taken might be; and by these means they had always been sent away apparently satisfied.  But on this day, about twenty of them, armed with spears, came down to the spot where our men were fishing, and without any previous attempt to obtain their purpose by fair means, violently seized the greatest part of the fish which was in the seine.  While this detachment performed this act of depredation, a much greater number stood at a small distance with their spears poized, ready to have thrown them if any resistance had been made.  But the cockswain who commanded the fishing party, very prudently suffered them to take away what they chose, and they parted on good terms.  This is the only instance in which these people have attempted any unprovoked act of violence, and to this they probably were driven by necessity.  Since this transaction, an officer has always been sent down the harbour with the boat.

Governor Phillip went out about this time with a small party, to examine the land between Port Jackson and Broken Bay.  Here were found many hundred acres of land, free from timber, and very fit for cultivation.  He proceeded as far as Pitt Water, and saw several of the natives, but none of them chose to approach.  When the party returned to the boats near the mouth of the harbour, about sixty of these people, men, women, and children, were assembled there.  Some hours