Colony until the Clo

mbraced, will not be wondered at. The exhilarating effect of a splendid theatre is well known: and I am not ashamed to confess, that the proper distribution of three or four yards of stained paper, and a dozen farthing candles stuck around the mud walls of a convict-hut, failed not to diffuse general complacency on the countenances of sixty persons, of various descriptions, who were assembled t

em incapable of affording either novelty or gratification. But when they had given over the hope of farther discovery, by pursuing the windings of an inlet, which, from its appearance, was supposed to be a short creek, they suddenly found themselves at the entrance of a fresh water river, up which they proceeded twenty miles, in

l decline to record them. Some saw a rich and beautiful country; and others were so unfortunate as to discover little else than large tracts of low land, covered with reeds, and rank with the inundations of the stream, by which they had been recently covered. All parties, however, agreed, that the rocky, impenetrable country, seen on the first excursion, had ended nearly about the place whence the boats had then

ame of Hawkesbury, in honour of th

der the smallpox. They did not attempt to commit hostilities against the boats;

esterly or inland direction, which commands a view of the great chain of mountains, called Carmarthen hills, extending from north to south farther than the eye can reach. Here we paused, surveying "the wild abyss; pondering our voyage." Before us lay the trackless immeasurable desert, in awful silence. At length, after consultation, we determined to steer west and by north, by compass, the make of the land in that quarter indicating the existence of a river. We continued to march all da

great depth, the current running very slowly in a northerly direction. Vast flocks of wild ducks were swimming in the stream; but after being once fired at, they grew

n at both ends, exactly resembling two cards, set up to form an acute angle; sometimes in marks on trees which they had climbed; or in squirrel-traps*; or, which surprised us more, from being new, in decoys for the purpose of ensnaring birds. These are formed of underwood and reeds, long and narrow, shaped like a mound raised over a grave; with a small aperture at one end for admission of the prey; and a g

other animals, who live in trees, flee for refuge into these holes, whence they are easily dislodged and taken. The natives always pitch on a part of a tree for this purpose, which has been perforated by a worm, which indicates

ear Sydney; and in some places grass springs up luxuriantly; other places are quite bare of it. The soil is various: in many parts a stiff and clay, covered with small pebbles; in other places, of a soft loamy nature: but invariably, in every part near the river, it is a coarse sterile sand. Our observations

ce of the part of the river which we first hit upon from the s

nine days in the bay, during which time, the relative position of every part of it, to the extent of more tha

ote in my journal, on my return from the expedition. "We were unanimously of opinion, that had not the nautical part of Mr. Cook's description, in which we include the latitude and longitude of the bay, been so accurately laid down, there wou

er of the most serious consideration; hardly a night passing without the commission of robbery. Many expedients were devised; and the governor at length determined to select from the convicts, a certain number of persons, who were meant to be of the fairest charac

places as may be deemed necessary, for the discovery of any felony, trespass, or misdemeanor; and for the apprehending and securing for examination, any person o

ivision. Those at the brick-kilns, and the detached parties in the different private farms in that district, are to be the second division. Those on the western side of the stream, as far as the l

ne person, who may be judged qualified to inform himself of the actual residence of eac

slops or provisions; and also of such as are addicted to gaming for eithe

e tattoo; or who may be found in a convict's hut, is to be detain

watch of his district, who, on the instant of application being made, shall use the most effectual

r to receive any fee, gratuity, or reward, from any individual whatever, to engage their exertions in the execution of the above trust. Nor will they receive any stipulated encouragement for the convicti

t to the judge advocate, through Herbert Keeling, of all robberies and misdemeanors which may have been committed. Any assistance the patrols may require, will be given

o shall be employed on this duty, will be

tch is to consi

ce than speculation had promised itself. It were, however, prejudice to deny, that for some time following the institution of this patrol, nightly depredations became

flour, five pounds of salt pork, three pints of pease, six ounces of butter, was reduced to

nd, in her way from Norfolk Island, to try if turtle could be procured, for the purpose of being publicly serv

he river, they passed it, and proceeded in a westerly direction. But they found the country so rugged, and the difficulty of walking so excessive, that in three days they were able to penetrate only fifteen miles, and were therefore obliged to relinquish their object.

ssed any resources, by which life might be prolonged*, as well as on other accounts, beco

in the society of the natives, with a wish to adopt their customs and to live with them: but

ccordingly dispatched on this service; and completely succeeded in trepanning and carryi

wonder and impatient constraint, which had attended the introduction of Arabanoo, succeeded. Baneelon we judged to be about twenty-six years old, of good stature, and stoutly made, with a bold intrepid countenance, which bespoke defiance and revenge. Colbee was per

nding which Colbee contrived to effect his escape in about a week, with a small iron ring round his leg. H

ce fond of our viands, and would drink the strongest liquors, not simply without reluctance, but with eager marks of delight and enjoyment. He was the only native we ever knew who immediately shewed a fondness f

uced to eat of it. Baneelon also denied it to be a fish; but no common councilman in Europe could do more justice than he did to a v

the customs of his country, and all the details of his family economy. Love and war seemed his favourite pursuits; in both of which he had suffered severely. His head was disfigured by several scars; a spear had passed through hi

ck of your hand, Baneelo

off a lady of another tribe by force. "I was dragging

did you

her till she was insensible, a

geance against his competitors in arms, those of the tribe called Cameeragal in particular, would burst from him. And he never faile

him the name of Wolarawaree, and sometimes called him 'Beenena' (father), adopting to himself the name of governor. This interchange we found is a constant symbol of friendship among them*. In a word, his temper seem

dship and kindness all over Asia, and has also been mentioned by