Whilst he was employed at the summit of the hill in taking bearings, twelve natives with two dogs made their appearance on the opposite shore which was separated from the hill on which Mr.Roe landed by a soft mud flat.

The natives attempted to cross to him, shouting loudly as they advanced, but when halfway over they desisted and slowly returned.

When Mr.Roe descended he perceived several fresh prints of the human foot on the mud, from which he supposed that there were already some natives upon the island.

There were several large fires burning in various directions and one was kindled by the natives on the opposite bank.* (*Footnote.

The natives of this part were seen by Tasman, according to the following note of Burgomaster Witsen, as published in Mr.Dalrymple's Papua.