BOOK
II
1797
It will be observed how little opportunity we had to make any
remarks upon the customs and manners of these people, from
their avoiding as much as possible any intercourse with us. Indeed this
treatment we have been universally accustomed to, both at the land of
Insoo and the Lieuchieux islands. It appears by their behaviour they
are by no means desirous of cultivating any intercourse whatever with
strangers. They seemed to look upon us with great indifference, which
I suppose was owing to the insignificancy of our vessel; or perhaps,
their not comprehending what nation we belonged to, or what our pursuits
were, made them solicitous for our departure, probably from a suspicion
of our being pirates; or some other reason we could not divine.
The land surrounding the harbour was much insulated. rising
in parts to very high hills, destitute of wood-and verdure in general;
but in some places were a few scattered pine trees. On the south side
which is a peninsula, it was better wooded; and amongst the pines were
other deciduous trees, but of what kinds we were unacquainted, as the
jealousy of the people entirely prevented our acquiring any knowledge
of the productions of the country. Indeed in no instance would they
admit our researches.