&c., on a tree near the watering-place, the Commander little thought, that the spot which he occupied, then the habitation of the rudest savages, was destined to become the chief seat of an important British colony;—perhaps the commencement of a mighty Australian empire, where arts, commerce, science, and religion, should hereafter flourish.
On May 6th, at day break, the Endeavour sailed from Botany Bay: and in coasting along, the country was seen to be richly diversified with hills and dales, ridges and plains, all clothed with wood; while the shore in front was generally low and sandy. After sailing for some days, our navigators observed, that the land became gradually more elevated, and many lofty hills appeared. Inhabitants were seen at various points; and some who were at no great distance from the ship, instead of gazing with astonishment at its unwonted form and size, seemed to let it pass by them unheeded.
On wednesday, May 23rd, the Commander, with the scientific gentlemen, and Tupia, went ashore in a bay, which was named Bustard Bay, from a large bird of that kind, which was there shot, and enjoyed as a luxury. They found a channel leading into a large lagoon, with mangroves growing on the banks. Quantities of oysters, many of them pearl oysters, were found. Some natives appeared, but kept at a distance. Their lodging places, where they had spent the night in the open air, like other commoners of nature, were visited; and on viewing their miserable accommodations, even Tupia shook his head, with an air of conscious superiority, and exclaimed, Taata enos, "poor wretches!" A remarkable gum-tree was found here, and on many other parts of the coast.
