Cirrus@Austlit

This article describes Meston's journey along the Ducie River into Albatross Bay, and northwards to Thursday Island. While camped overnight he listens to the sounds of a crocodile fight, and shoots an owl, to the admiration of his companions. A later attempt to shoot a jabiru, the 'Bird of Silence,' does not succeed. Meston also tells the story of an Aboriginal man abducted by pearl fishers, who became the 'hermit of Badu Island.' Meston leaves this man at Mapoon in the care of missionaries. A glossary of local Aboriginal names and words is appended.