eyes--and the smile which they forced, formed a compound upon the rough
savage countenance, not unworthy the pencil of a Hogarth. I was almost
tempted to try what effect a little snip would produce; but our situation
was too critical to admit of such experiments.

Everything being prepared for a retreat, the natives became vociferous
for the boat to go up to the lagoon; and it was not without stratagem
that we succeeded in getting down to the entrance of the stream, where
the depth of water placed us out of their reach.

Our examination of the country was confined, by circumstances, to a
general view. This part is called _Alowrie_, by the natives, and is very
low and sandy near the sides of the rivulet. About four miles up it, to
the north-west, is the lagoon; and behind, stands a semicircular range of
hills, of which the highest is Hat Hill. The water in the lagoon was
distinctly seen, and appeared to be several miles in circumference. The
land round it is probably fertile, and the slopes of the back hills had
certainly that appearance. The natives were in nothing, except language,
different from those at Port Jackson; but their dogs, which are of the
same species, seemed to be more numerous and familiar.

Soon after dark the sea breeze was succeeded by a calm; and at ten
o'clock we rowed out of the rivulet, repassed Red Point, and at one in
the morning came to an anchor in 5 fathoms, close to the northernmost of
the two first rocky islets.* In the afternoon of the 28th, we got on
shore under the high land to the north of Hat Hill and were able to cook
provisions and take some repose without disturbance. The sandy beach was
our bed; and after much fatigue, and passing three nights of cramp in Tom
Thumb, it was to us a bed of down.