Page:Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies.djvu/78

42 which is an estuary 5 or 6 miles long, 1 broad, and from 2 to 3 fathoms deep, and consequently only fit for boats. There were several Black Swans upon it. These birds are abundant in this neighbourhood in the breeding season. Among the scrub on the shore there was a flock of Black Cockatoos. The Wombat—a burrowing, herbivorous animal, in figure somewhat like a small bear,—abounds in this neighbourhood: its flesh, when young, resembles that of the hare.

We likewise visited the Davey River, or northern harbour; in which, under a point from the west, in the turn toward Cockburn Cove, vessels sometimes take shelter from a southerly gale. Oysters are obtained at low tides in this cove, on the smooth waters of which, Pelicans, Red-bills, and Gulls were swimming. On the north of it there is mica rock containing Garnets. Here we spent a night by a large fire, sheltered by a few bushes, near to heaps of oyster shells, accumulated from time immemorial by the Aborigines, who occasionally resort hither. The middle of the night was stormy and wet. The distant mountains were covered with snow in the morning.

Fishing formed a frequent occupation on board the Tamar. Rock-cod and occasionally eels about 5 feet long and 14 inches round, were caught. Sometimes a small shark would take the bait; and we had to expostulate with the soldiers against a cruel practice they adopted, of running a stick through the breathing apparatus of these animals, and in this state throwing them overboard to perish. This was done in the spirit of revenge, because of the annoyance, as they not only spoiled the baits, but drove away the fish. We succeeded in convincing the men that they were wrong in giving way to this spirit, and that it was their duty either to kill the sharks by the most speedy means or to liberate them, as they had as much right to take the baits, as the soldiers had to take the fish; seeing that in so doing, they only followed an instinct given by their Creator. One of the species is spotted, and is called in this country, the Nurse.

Reading in the cabin, and the religious instruction of the respective groups of the prisoners, sailors, soldiers, and soldiers'