as he defeats his own objects, and certainly does not add to my reputation among the natives, to come along at such a time when they are under such excitement about land, with a person whom they suppose is fully intent on possessing a Station without even their sanction; and though this is certainly not his desire, it is difficult to make a savage comprehend the real nature of the expedition. I have explained to the natives that my mission was entirely different from Brown's; that his intentions were not to take their lands, but obtain a Station amongst them, at which he might trade for flax. They seemed satisfied with this explanation, having previously met a body where the boat