Colonel Paterson declared that he had never met a native who differed so widely from the rest of the New Hollanders." Before he disappeared he gave the boat's crew an exhibition of his climbing powers, for they pointed to a tree, making signs that they wished to see him climb it.

This he quickly did, first cutting a notch with the axe and continuing thus to make footholds until he nimbly reached the top--the tree being without branches to a height of 40 feet.
About this time there appeared a small party of woodmen who had been sent to cut cedar for Mr.Palmer.These men had intended returning to Sydney, having run short of provisions, but seeing the Lady Nelson they joined her.
On June 28 the Lady Nelson advanced up the river and moored in one of its branches about 6 miles from the entrance, Mr.Barrallier surveying while Colonel Paterson with Dr.Harris and Mr.Lewin (the artist who had joined the Lady Nelson after the sailing of the Francis) went in the launch to examine the river and inspect the country.
On the 7th the Commander himself in company with Mr.Barrallier set off to join Paterson.

They found the country level and swampy near the river, but with delightful views in the distance.

"The river took a serpentine course, and for many miles appeared to be as broad as the Thames at Kingston.

From the marks on the trees it would seem that it is subject to be greatly overflowed at times.