The Flat Valley Between Them Was Scattered Over With Groves Of
Pandanus.
A high stiff grass covered the approaches of the creeks, and
long tracts, which had been burnt some time ago, were now covered with
delightful verdure.
This, with the dark green belt of trees which marked
the meanderings of several creeks, gave to this beautiful country the
aspect of a large park. I was following one of the sandy creeks, when Mr.
Calvert called my attention to a distant belt of Pandanus, which he
supposed to be a river; I sent Mr. Roper to examine it; and, when the
discharge of his rifle apprized us that he had met with water, we
followed him. It was a broad creek, with a stream about three feet deep,
and from seven to ten yards wide, with a firm and sandy bed; its banks
were shaded by large gum-trees, and Sarcocephalus; and thick reeds, and a
stiff blady grass fringed its waters. The frequent smoke which rose from
every part of the valley, showed that it was well inhabited. Brown met
two natives, with their gins and children, but they ran away as soon as
they saw him. At sunset, a great number of them had collected near our
camp, and set fire to the grass, which illumined the sky, as it spread in
every direction. They tried to frighten us, by imitating a howling chorus
of native dogs; but withdrew, when they saw it was of no avail; at all
events, they left us undisturbed during the night - except by one of their
dogs, which had been attracted probably by the scent of our flying-fox
supper.
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