Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/262

 200 SURVEY Ot THE.INTERTROPICAL m,. we observed several natives walking on 'the: .hlg. shore; and, upon our anchoring, a party was also seen collected round their huts, on the sandy beach at the west end of Goold Island; and near them were seven canoes hauled up above the tide mark; they had kindled a fire to attract our attention, but the day was too far advanced to allow communicating with them that evening. o. At daylight .the following morning I was much surprised by being-told that five canoes .were paddling off to the cutter, four of which only held each one native, but the fLeth being rather larger contained two. On approaching the cutter they laid off until invited to come alongside; when they approached without the least alarm or hesitation, and made- signs for someth/ng to' eat; some biscuit was given to them which they ate and, unlike all other' Australian savages, appeared to relish its- taste. �Some little persuasion was necessary to induc e them to venture on board; but, as soon as one mounted the ladder the others followed. Their astonishment was considerably excited at

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