and at daybreak eighteen canoes came off with vegetables for sale. Amongst them were a lot of young fellows who appeared to have made up their minds not to go back emptyhanded, and did not seem at all particular how they came by the things. One of them had got the furnace door in his canoe, another the windlass handle, and another a blanket. These we recovered, but, fearing lest we should come into collision with the people if we remained to cut wood, we weighed anchor and steamed away from them. Like the natives at the other places, they were astonished when we quietly moved from the midst of their canoes. On our way out of the harbour we met numerous canoes, but did not stop. Orangerie Bay is very thickly populated, more so than any part of the coast we have yet visited. We went out at the passage between Dufaure Island and the mainland, or what may prove to be a large island, as we did not go to the head of the harbour, where there appeared to be an opening. Orangerie Bay is likely to become the most important part of the south eastern peninsula, both from a missionary and commercial point of view. Our important discovery we have named MULLENS' Harbour.

To the east of Eagle Point there are numerous bays and sandy beaches,

every one of which is studded with villages. The hills are all under cultivation, and on every side there are indications of active life. It was blowing freshly from the south-east, against which it was difficult for our little steamer to make headway, especially with wood fuel, so we ran into what appeared to be a bay likely to afford shelter, about a mile to the west of the most western of the Roux Islands, and found what will, probably, become one of the most frequented anchorages along the coast. Nothing could be more convenient and snug. The bay is clear. When opposite you run right in for the middle, steering north, and at the head of the bay bear to the east, and you find yourself in a beautiful cove, safe from all winds, surrounded by lovely hills, at the base of which are sandy beaches, groves of cocoanut trees, and two or three villages. The people are quiet and friendly, and not too numerous to manage, as at Orangerie Bay. They came off to us with vegetables and curios, for iron hoop; and we went on shore, where we got plenty of wood, and good water from a running stream. So that vessels passing may run in here for wood, water, and vegetables, and, in a few minutes, pass from a high sea to a quiet anchorage."

"From this point eastwards the natives seem very fond of carving. Their chinam pots and spoons, sago batons, clubs and spears, canoes and paddles, and all their ornaments, are skilfully carved; and almost every one of them, except the canoes, may be bought for a piece of hoop iron. During the night the news of our arrival spread, and in the morning we were surrounded by thirty-four friendly

canoes.

There could be no mistaking their peaceful intentions. Some of the natives helped our men to cut and carry wood, and one of them slept on board the Ellengowan. Although the cove itself is a nice quiet place, there are plenty of natives in the vicinity. To the east as well as to the west, there are numerous sandy beaches and cocoanut groves swarming with natives. The entrance to the cove is easily known by a remarkable-looking rock, on which stands a prominent tree, on the east side of the bay, about half a mile from the land. We have named it RUNCIE Rock, and the anchorage ISABEL Cove.

"Proceeding to the eastward, we soon sighted what we thought to be 'Tree Island,' but which turned out to be 'Wedge Rock.' There is no island off the western head of Farm Bay as marked upon the latest charts; and this is very misleading to vessels running along the coast, as there is one within eight miles corresponding to the description, off what has hitherto been supposed the South Cape of New Guinea, but which we have proved to be an island by passing between it and the mainland. Entering the bay between Rugged Head and Wedge Rock we steamed about three or four miles, and then opened up a fine passage half a mile wide and five fathoms deep, by which we enter

Catamaran Bay. What was supposed to be the South Cape of New Guinea we have named STACEY Island. As we opened up the passage we saw what appeared to be unbroken land on both sides for twelve or fourteen miles, and wondered where we were going. As we proceeded, however, the passages between Stacey, Tissot, and the Brumer Islands opened up to the south. There is good anchorage between Stacey Island and the mainland. The island is hilly, the highest peak being about 600 feet above the level of the sea. It is triangular in shape, about four miles long, and populous. At the head of the bay, opposite the passage between Stacey Island and the mainland, there is a bay running to the westward which probably meets the one running eastward at the top of Farm Bay, making Rugged Head an island also, so that the southernmost extremity of New Guinea cannot yet be fixed with certainty. As we were on a missionary voyage, looking for suitable places to establish mission stations, we did not feel justified in spending more time for the solution of these points. Our discoveries will show that there is plenty of important work for one of her Majesty's ships all along the southern side of the peninsula; and, although we do not profess to be accurate in our positions, we hope that the information gained and willingly given to the public, will be of service until a proper survey is made by the appointment of the Government. In the meantime, it is to be devoutly hoped that all vessels visiting the coast will, in the interests of commerce, as well as of humanity and religion, strictly observe a peaceful policy with the unsuspecting natives."