east point of the bay, where it was found of a good quality; while another party, which the Captain accompanied, were cutting some wood. The latter were soon visited by about twenty men and boys, who approached them without fear. One of them, who was hump-backed, amused our people by the drollery of his gestures, and the seeming humour of his speeches; though his language was quite unintelligible. Some of this party had slips of kangaroo skin tied round their ankles, and similar cords hanging loose round their necks. Several women afterwards made their appearance; and these were as naked as the men, except that they wore a kangaroo skin tied over their shoulders, and round the waist; not for a covering, but to support their children when carried on their backs. Some of them had the head completely shorn, some had it shorn on one side; while others had the upper part shorn close, a circle of hair being left all round, as in certain orders of monks. Many of the children who accompanied them were thought pretty. Capt. Cook was informed, that some gentlemen belonging to the Discovery made improper advances to the women, offering them liberal presents; but their offers were rejected with great disdain, and an elderly man, observing what passed, ordered all the women and children to retire. In the Captain's journal, the conduct of Europeans in making such attempts on the virtue of female savages, is justly reprobated, as awakening the jealousy of the men, and exposing the party to danger, perhaps without gaining the gratification desired. He might have added, that it is grossly immoral and indecent, utterly unbecoming those who bear the christian name.
