We asked Colbee the name of the people
who live inland, and he called them Boorooberongal; and said they were bad,
whence we conjectured that they sometimes war with those on the sea coast,
by whom they were undoubtedly driven up the country from the fishing
ground, that it might not be overstocked; the weaker here, as in every
other country, giving way to the stronger.

We asked how they lived. He said, on birds and animals, having no fish.
Their laziness appeared strongly when we halted, for they refused to draw
water or to cleave wood to make a fire; but as soon as it was kindled
(having first well stuffed themselves), they lay down before it and fell
asleep. About an hour after sunset, as we were chatting by the fire side
and preparing to go to rest, we heard voices at a little distance in the
wood. Our natives caught the sound instantaneously and, bidding us be
silent, listened attentively to the quarter whence it had proceeded. In a
few minutes we heard the voices plainly; and, wishing exceedingly to open
a communication with this tribe, we begged our natives to call to them,
and bid them to come to us, to assure them of good treatment, and that they
should have something given them to eat. Colbee no longer hesitated,
but gave them the signal of invitation, in a loud hollow cry. After some
whooping and shouting on both sides, a man with a lighted stick in his hand
advanced near enough to converse with us. The first words which we could
distinctly understand were, 'I am Colbee, of the tribe of Cadigal.'
The stranger replied, 'I am Bereewan, of the tribe of Boorooberongal.'
Boladeree informed him also of his name and that we were white men and
friends, who would give him something to eat. Still he seemed irresolute.
Colbee therefore advanced to him, took him by the hand and led him to us.
By the light of the moon, we were introduced to this gentleman, all our
names being repeated in form by our two masters of the ceremonies, who said
that we were Englishmen and 'budyeeree' (good), that we came from the sea
coast, and that we were travelling inland.

Bereewan seemed to be a man about thirty years old, differing in no respect
from his countrymen with whom we were acquainted. He came to us unarmed,
having left his spears at a little distance. After a long conversation with
his countrymen, and having received some provisions, he departed highly
satisfied.

Tuesday, April 12th, 1791. Started this morning at half past si