Tuesday 30 August 1836

Started at daybreak with Field and Jacob to shoot along the banks of the river and to see something of the interior of the Island. After the first two miles we were gratified by finding a flat of very superior soil to any we had seen extending many miles on each side of the stream. It is covered with rich natural grass and is free from trees except here and there clumps of luxuriant shrubs giving it the appearance somewhat of a plantation.  The perfume from the Mimosa was delicious and we are much pleased with the agreeable contrast this part of the country presents to the sterile and sandy soil of the coast. It was late this evening when we returned, but we are in excellent spirits not a little heightened by the sport we have had, killing between us five brace of Teal, a wild Duck and a very curious type of Plover, having a hood of yellow skin projecting from the top and on each side of the head as far as the bill leaving a small space for the eyes – its wings were armed at the large joint with a spur of tough horn about an inch long, projecting forwards and apparently meant for defence rather [than] offence as the nature of the Plover is exceedingly timid. The plumage of the bird was not striking being a mixture of black and white.