oard, not, however, without many symptoms of
timidity. A boy of twelve years old allowed himself to be conducted
over the ship, and was shewn a variety of articles, of course entirely
novel to him. With these he was, as may be supposed, exceedingly
astonished, but more particularly with a looking-glass, and by the
ringing of a small bell.

In the course of the day, Captain Owen landed at various points for the
purpose of investigating the localities of the neighbourhood, and with
a view of selecting the most eligible situation for our intended
establishment. Lieutenant Robinson also went on shore to take sights
for comparing the chronometers. Several natives approached the latter
gentleman, offering him yams in barter, but were careful not to come
too near, so long as his men remained armed with muskets. As it was
evident from their signs that they wished these to be laid aside,
Lieutenant Robinson, in order to inspire them with confidence, directed
his party to ground arms, while he and Mr. Jeffery advanced towards
them. Satisfied with this demonstration, their whole anxiety now
appeared to be, how to dispose of their yams, which they professed, by
signs, and with affectation of fatigue, to have brought from a great
distance. They were not a little disappointed that our party, being
unprovided with the necessary medium for payment, hoop-iron, were
unable to effect the purchase.

_Monday, Oct. 29_.--The natives, who have visited us in great numbers
to-day, are evidently increasing their stock of confidence, and,
indeed, beginning to be, not a little troublesome, as we have no small
difficulty in preventing them from coming on board. At seven o'clock in
the morning we changed our anchorage to the opposite side of the bay,
near the Adelaide islets, and close to Point William. A party went on
shore for wood and water, in the procuring of which they were assisted
by the natives.

_Tuesday, Oct. 30_.--Captain Owen, having now thoroughly investigated
the vicinity of this place, determined upon the site of our future
settlement. For this purpose, Maidstone Bay, in consequence of its
capacity, (being about four miles and a half from Cape Bullen, its
north-western limit, to Point William); the excellency of its
anchorage, and the smoothness of its water, offered peculiar
advantages; to which may be added, its reception of the waters of the
Baracouta river, with other smaller streams, and the abundance of its
fine fish of var