by
calling him by every opprobrious name* which their language affords.

Boladeree destroyed a native hut today very wantonly before we could
prevent him. On being asked why he did so, he answered that the inhabitants
inland were bad; though no longer since than last night, when Bereewan
had departed, they were loud in their praise. But now they had reverted to
their first opinion; so fickle and transient are their motives of love and
hatred.

[*Their general favourite term of reproach is 'goninpatta', which signifies
'an eater of human excrement'. Our language would admit a very concise and
familiar translation. They have, besides this, innumerable others which
they often salute their enemies with.]

Wednesday, April 13th, 1791. We did not set out this morning until past
seven o'clock, when we continued to trace the creek. The country which we
passed through yesterday was good and desirable to what was now presented
to us. It was in general high and universally rocky. 'Toiling our uncouth
way', we mounted a hill, and surveyed the contiguous country. To the
northward and eastward, the ground was still higher than that we were upon;
but in a south-west direction we saw about four miles. The view consisted
of nothing but trees growing on precipices; not an acre of it could be
cultivated. Saw a tree on fire here, and several other vestiges of the
natives. To comprehend the reasons which induce an Indian to perform many
of the offices of life is difficult; to pronounce that which could lead him
to wander amidst these dreary wilds baffles penetration. About two o'clock
we reached the head of the creek, passed it and scrambled with infinite
toil and difficulty to the top of a neighbouring mountain, whence we saw
the adjacent country in almost every direction, for many miles. I record
with regret that this extended view presented not a single gleam of change
which could encourage hope or stimulate industry, to attempt its culture.
We had, however, the satisfaction to discover plainly the object of our
pursuit, Richmond Hill, distant about eight miles, in a contrary direction
from what we had been proceeding upon. It was readily known to those who
had been up the Hawkesbury in the boats, by a remarkable cleft or notch
which distinguishes it. It was now determined that we should go back to the
head of the creek and pass the night there; and in the morning cut
across the country to that part of the river which we had first hi