I could not help contrasting the condition of these people with that of the Australian blacks, a considerable portion of whose time, at certain periods of the year, is spent in shifting about from place to place, searching for food, living from hand to mouth, and leading a hard and precarious life.  But here, on this little island, the coconut-tree alone would be sufficient to supply many of the principal wants of man.  The fruit serves both for food and drink—­the shell is used to carry about water in*—­the fibres of the husk are converted into cordage, and the leaves into matting, while the wood is fashioned into spears and other useful articles.  The cultivation of bananas and yams—­of the latter of which, and of two other edible roots, we saw large quantities in the huts—­costs him very little trouble—­he occasionally keeps a few pigs, and when inclined, can always catch plenty of fish, and occasionally a turtle upon the reefs at low-water.

(Footnote.  Some of these are represented in the preceding woodcut—­the hole in the top is usually plugged with a portion of banana leaf.)

Before leaving the beach I presented old Wadai with an axe, as a recompense for his civility.  The poor man looked quite bewildered at his unexpected good fortune, and for a little while was quite speechless—­not understanding the nature of a gift, or being taken with a sudden fit of generosity, he afterwards waded out to the boat with some coconuts to give me in return.

BARTERING FOR YAMS.

July 4th.

The first cutter was sent to Brierly Island today, for the double purpose of endeavouring to procure yams from the natives for the use of the ship’s company, and enabling me to make additions to my vocabulary and collection.  Mr. Brady took charge of the bartering, and drawing a number of lines upon the sandy beach, explained that when each was covered with a yam he would give an axe in return.  At first some little difficulty occurred as the yams were brought down very slowly—­two or three at a time—­but at length the first batch was completed and the axe handed over.  The man who got it—­the sword-bearer of yesterday—­had been trembling with anxiety for some time back, holding Mr. Brady by the arm and watching the promised axe with eager eye.  When he obtained possession of it he became quite wild with joy, laughing and screaming, and flourishing the axe over his head.  After this commencement the bartering went on briskly amidst a good deal of uproar, the men passing between the village and the beach at full speed, with basketfuls of yams, and too intent upon getting the kiram kelumai (iron-axes) to think of anything else.  Meanwhile Mr. Huxley and myself walked about unheeded by almost anyone.  The women kept themselves in the bush at a little distance, making a great noise, but avoided showing themselves.  Occasionally we caught a glimpse of these sable damsels, but only one female came near us—­a meagre