ustere, astringent
kind of fruit, resembling plumbs, but not fit to eat.

In the evening, we steered for those islands which we supposed were
called the Prince of Wales's Islands; and about two o'clock in the
morning, came to an anchor with a grappling, along side of an island,
which we called Laforey's Island. As the night was very dark, and this
was the last land that could afford us relief, all hands went to sleep,
to refresh our woe-worn spirits.

The morning was ushered in with the howling of wolves, who had smelt us
in the night, when prowling for food. Lieut. Corner and a party were sent
at day-light, to search again for water; and, as we approached, the wild
beasts retired, and filled the woods with their hideous growling. As soon
as we landed, we discovered a foot-path which led down into a hollow,
where we were led to suspect that water might be found; and on digging
four or five feet, we had the ecstatic pleasure to see a spring rush out.
A glad messenger was immediately dispatched to the beach, to make a
signal to the boats of our success. On traversing the shore, we
discovered a morai, or rather a heap of bones. There were amongst them
two human skulls, the bones of some large animals, and some turtle-bones.
They were heaped together in the form of a grave, and a very long paddle,
supported at each end by a bifurcated branch of a tree, was laid
horizontally alongst it.

Near to this, there were marks of a fire having been recently made. The
ground about was much footed and wore; whence it may be presumed feasts
or sacrifices had been frequently held, as there were several foot-paths
which led to this spot. After having gorged our parched bodies with
water, till we were perfectly water-logged, we began to feel the cravings
of hunger; a new sensation of misery we had hitherto been strangers to,
from the excess of thirst predominating. Some of our stragglers were
lucky enough to find a few small oysters on the shore. A harsh, austere,
astringent kind of fruit, resembling a plumb, was found in some places.
As I discovered some to be pecked at by the birds, we permitted the men
to fill their bellies with them. There was a small berry, of a similar
taste to the plumb, which was found by some of the party. On observing
the dung of some of the larger animals, many of them were found in it, in
an undigested state; we therefore concluded we might venture upon them
with safety. We carefully avoided shooting at any b