Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. I cross the bay--The Eucalyptus--Birds and insects--A new species of Gowra--Aicci--I show the Natives a looking-glass --A visit--Friendly strangers--The influence of women-- A Papuan house--Mourners--I win golden opinions by showing respect for the dead--A snake--Hope-making-- Some splendid visitors--Nature's gentlemen--A great haul of insects--Ocona--Nicura--An expedition is arranged. March 29th.--To-day for the first time I crossed the bay with Arnold and six of my men, steering to the north-west of the island. We made for the coast opposite to Yule Island, which is that of New Guinea. The coast lies low, and is formed of, or at least covered with, sand, and vegetation is scanty. We saw a grove of cocoanut palms, and some banana-trees, also a house and a dog, but not a single native. I waited an hour there thinking to see some one, but all in vain. Before re-embarking, I left a few little presents near the house for the invisible owners. I saw nothing worthy of mention, except the eucalyptus-tree, which I now can affirm to be indigenous to New Guinea. Aided by a fair wind, we coasted along towards the mouth of the river; but we soon found ourselves high and dry, and could only extricate ourselves at the cost of great fatigue. A bank of mud and sand prevented me from gaining my object. We tried other places, but could not find a way to reach the river, probably because it was low tide. We then hugged the coast which stands to the east of Yule Island, but could not succeed in landing, owing to the dense growth of mangroves. Seeing some canoes with natives on board, I approached them, and asked them either to go with me to the mouth of the river, or to point out a channel by which we might reach it. They seemed to consent, ..
