d. Many of them, of both sexes, accordingly
attended. Arabanoo's aversion to a similar sight has been noticed; and if
the behaviour of those now collected be found to correspond with it, it
is, I think, fair to conclude that these people are not of a sanguinary
and implacable temper. Quick indeed of resentment, but not unforgiving of
injury. There was not one of them that did not testify strong abhorrence
of the punishment and equal sympathy with the sufferer. The women were
particularly affected; Daringa shed tears, and Barangaroo, kindling into
anger, snatched a stick and menaced the executioner. The conduct of these
women, on this occasion, was exactly descriptive of their characters. The
former was ever meek and feminine, the latter fierce and unsubmissive.

On the first of May, many allotments of ground were parcelled out by the
governor to convicts whose periods of transportation were expired, and who
voluntarily offered to become settlers in the country. The terms on which
they settled, and their progress in agriculture, will be hereafter set
forth.

CHAPTER XIV.

Travelling Diaries in New South Wales.

From among my numerous travelling journals into the interior parts of
the country, I select the following to present to the reader, as equally
important in their object, and more amusing in their detail, than any
other.

In April 1791 an expedition was undertaken, in order to ascertain whether
or not the Hawkesbury and the Nepean, were the same river. With this view,
we proposed to fall in a little above Richmond Hill*, and trace down to it;
and if the weather should prove fine to cross at the ford, and go a short
distance westward, then to repass the river and trace it upward until we
should either arrive at some spot which we knew to be the Nepean, or should
determine by its course that the Hawkesbury was a different stream.

[*Look at the map for the situation of this place (Unfortunately, there is
no map accompanying this etext. Ed.)]

Our party was strong and numerous. It consisted of twenty-one persons,
viz. the governor, Mr. Collins and his servant, Mr. White, Mr. Dawes, the
author, three gamekeepers, two sergeants, eight privates, and our friends
Colbee and Boladeree. These two last were volunteers on the occasion, on
being assured that we should not stay out many days and that we should
carry plenty of provisions. Baneelon wished to go, but his wife would not
permit it. Colbee on the