Indeed birds, insects, and all things we saw, were so new and singular that our attention was kept constantly excited by the varied objects which passed before us.
December 11.
I went on board in the morning for the purpose of preparing my letters, and about 10 A.M.it was reported to me that a party of natives had come down to one of the sandy beaches and were fishing there.

I immediately went upon deck and saw four natives in the sea opposite to the beach, running about and fishing.

Captain Browne went on shore at once with me to try and parley with them, but as we approached the land they ran away; we remained for some time on the beach and tried to follow their tracks up into the country, but could see nothing more of them.
This night at 8 P.M.we had another sudden squall from off the land, accompanied with thunder, lightning, and heavy rain; it blew so hard that we were obliged to let go the best bower anchor, but as usual it only lasted twenty minutes.
PREPARATIONS FOR SENDING THE VESSEL TO TIMOR.
As Mr.Lushington was to accompany the schooner to Timor, and I was anxious to ascertain which would be the best direction for us to move off in on his return, I determined to commence my exploring trips as soon as possible.

All hands still continued busily engaged in landing the stores and conveying them to the tents; but though the men worked hard our progress was slow.

Everything had to be carried on the men's shoulders, for the path, after the great trouble and labour we had bestowed on it, was still so intricate and rocky that it was impossible to use even a hand-barrow.