erable distance from us; and directly in the line on which
we were moving. The nature of the ground so completely favoured our
approach, that they did not become aware of it until we were within a
few yards of them, and had ascended a little ridge, which, as we
afterwards discovered, ended in an abrupt precipice upon the river, not
more than thirty yards to our right. The crack of the drayman's whip
was the first thing that aroused their attention. They gazed upon us
for a moment, and then started up and assumed an attitude of horror and
amazement; their terror apparently increasing upon them. We stood
perfectly immovable, until at length they gave a fearful yell, and
darted out of sight.

THEY FIRE THE BUSH.

Their cry brought about a dozen more natives from the river, whom we
had not before observed, but who now ran after their comrades with
surprising activity, and without once venturing to look behind them. As
our position was a good one, we determined to remain upon it, until we
should ascertain the number and disposition of the natives. We had not
been long stationary, when we heard a crackling noise in the distance,
and it soon became evident that the bush had been fired. It was,
however, impossible that we could receive any injury on the narrow
ridge upon which we stood, so that we waited very patiently to see the
end of this affair.

REMARKS ON THE NATIVES; DISEASE AMONG THEM.

In a short time the fire approached pretty near to us, and dense
columns of smoke rose into the air over our heads. One of the natives,
who had been on the bank, now came out of the bush, exactly from the
spot into which he had retreated. He advanced a few paces towards us,
and bending his body so that his hands rested on his knees, he fixed
his gaze upon us for some time; but, seeing that we remained immovable,
he began to throw himself into the most extravagant attitudes, shaking
his foot from time to time. When he found that all his violence had no
effect, he turned his rear to us in a most laughable manner, and
absolutely groaned in spirit when he found that this last insult failed
of success.

He stood perplexed and not knowing what next to do, which gave Mr. Hume
an opportunity to call out to him, and with considerable address he at
length got the savage to approach close up to him; Mr. Hume himself
having advanced a short distance from the animals in the first
instance. As soon as I thought the savage had sufficiently recove