Series 03: Joseph Banks - Endeavour journal, 25 August 1768 - 12 July 1771 (vol. 2) - No. 0422
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[Page 422]
318
New Guinea
Lobelia Plumierii Linn.
Arum macrorizum Linn.
Coix Lacryma Jobi Linn.
Sitodium altile Mscr.
Casuarina equisetifolia Mscr.
Musa Paradisaica Linn.
Cocos nucifera Linn.
The people as well as we could judge were nearly of the same colour as the New Hollanders some thought rather lighter they were certainly stark naked their arms that they made use of against us were very light ill made darts of Bamboo cane pinted with hard wood in which were many barbs they may be shot them with bows but I am of opinion that they threw them with a stick something in the manner of the New Hollanders they came beyond us; about 60 yards; but not in a point blanc direction besides these many among them may be a fifth part of the whole had in their hands a short peice of stick may be hollow cane which they swung sideways from them & immediately fire flew from it perfectly resembling the flash & smoak of a musquet & of no longer duration for what purpose this was done is far above my guessing. they had with them several dogs who ran after them in the same