used by the natives
as bedding. This was the first time I had known the black-fellows to use
any material in this way. I also came across traces of a feast--such as
empty oyster shells in very large heaps, bones of animals, &c. The
waters of the inlet were exceedingly well stocked with fish; and here I
saw large crayfish for the first time. I caught and roasted some, and
found them very good eating. This inlet might possibly be in the
vicinity of Montague Sound, a little to the south of Admiralty Gulf.

We stayed a couple of days in this beautiful spot, and then pushed down
south again, always keeping close under shelter of the islands on account
of our frail craft. The seas through which we paddled were studded with
innumerable islands, some rocky and barren, others covered with
magnificent foliage and grass. We landed on several of these, and on
one--it might have been Bigges Island--I discovered a high cairn or mound
of stones erected on the most prominent point. Yamba told me that this
structure was not the work of a native. She explained that the stones
were laid too regularly. A closer examination convinced me that the
cairn had been built by some European--possibly a castaway--and that at
one time it had probably been surmounted by a flag-staff as a signal to
passing ships. Food was very plentiful on this island, roots and yams
being obtainable in great abundance. Rock wallabies were also plentiful.
After leaving this island we continued our journey south, paddling only
during the day, and always with the tide, and spending the night on land.
By the way, whilst among the islands, I came across, at various times,
many sad signs of civilisation, in the form of a lower mast of a ship,
and a deck-house, a wicker-basket, empty brandy cases, and other flotsam
and jetsam, which, I supposed, had come from various wrecks. After
having been absent from my home in Cambridge Gulf, two or three months, I
found myself in a large bay, which I now know to be King's Sound. I had
come across many tribes of natives on my way down. Some I met were on
the islands on which we landed, and others on the mainland. Most of
these black-fellows knew me both personally and by repute, many having
been present at the great whale feast. The natives at King's Sound
recognised me, and gave me a hearty invitation to stay with them at their
camp. This I consented to do, and my friends then promised to set all
the other tribes along