This acquired from us the name of Nettle Tree." The native, Budgeree Dick, now reappeared after 48 hours' absence, with two companions.

One had been at Sydney and was known to Colonel Paterson, with whom he was able to converse.

Fires and occasionally the natives themselves were observed opposite to Ash Island.

A party from the ship went up an arm of the river in order to try and meet with them, but were disappointed, as at the entrance there was barely water for the boat.

The opposite (or north) shore to which they now proceeded was found to be full of flats and shoals over many of which the boat had to be dragged.
Between these flats were gullies of deep water, but there was no regular channel.