As soon as we had finished our meal, we once more embarked, and stood along the shore to the S.W., but the lake was so shoal, that I was every moment apprehensive we should ground.  I ran across, therefore, to the south, towards a low flat that had just appeared above the line of the horizon, in hope that, in sounding, we should have found the channel, but there either was none, or else it was so narrow that we passed over it between the heaves of the lead.  At this time, the western shore was quite distinct, and the scenery was beautiful.

The flat we were approaching was a mud-flat, and, from its appearance, the tide was certainly at the ebb.  We observed some cradles, or wicker frames, placed far below high water-mark, that were each guarded by two natives, who threatened us violently as we approached.  In running along the land, the stench from them plainly indicated what they were which these poor creatures were so anxiously watching.

We steered a S.W. course, towards some low and wooded hills, passing a rocky island, and found that we had struck the mouth of a channel running to the W.S.W.  It was about half-a-mile wide, was bounded to the right by some open flat ground, and to the left by a line of hills of about sixty or seventy feet in elevation, partly open and partly covered with beefwood.

Warlike demeanour of the natives.

Upon the first of these hills, we observed a large body of natives, who set up the most terrific yells as we approached.  They were fully equipped for battle and, as we neared the shore, came down to meet us with the most violent threats.  I wished much to communicate with them, and, not without hopes of quieting them, stood right in with the intention of landing.  I observed, however, that if I did so, I should have to protect myself.  I hauled a little off, and endeavoured, by holding up a branch and a tomahawk, to gain their confidence, but they were not to be won over by my show of pacification.  An elderly man walked close to the water’s edge unarmed, and, evidently, directed the others.  He was followed by seven or eight of the most daring, who crept into the reeds, with their spears shipped to throw at us.  I, therefore, took up my gun to return their salute.  It then appeared that they were perfectly aware of the weapon I carried, for the moment they saw it, they dashed out of their hiding place and retreated to the main body; but the old man, after saying something to them, walked steadily on, and I, on my part, laid my firelock down again.

Lovely evening.

It was now near sunset; and one of the most lovely evenings I had ever seen.  The sun’s radiance was yet upon the mountains, but all lower objects were in shade.  The banks of the channel, with the trees and the rocks, were reflected in the tranquil waters, whose surface was unruffled save by the thousands of wild fowl that rose before us, and made a noise as of a multitude clapping hands, in their clumsy efforts to rise from the waters.  Not one of them allowed us to get within shot.