As violent thunder storms are not uncommon on this coast, it is possible that they may have been burnt by lightning, which the gum-tree is thought particularly to attract; but it is probable also that they may have been set on fire by the natives.

The gum-tree is highly combustible, and it is a common practice with them to kindle their fires at the root of one of these trees.

When they quit a place they never extinguish the fire they have made, but leave it to burn out, or to communicate its flames to the tree, as accidental circumstances may determine.
Governor Phillip, on his return from this excursion, had the mortification to find that five ewes and a lamb had been killed very near the camp, and in the middle of the day.

How this had happened was not known, but it was conjectured that they must have been killed by dogs belonging to the natives.

The loss of any part of the stock of cattle was a serious misfortune, since it must be a considerable time before it could be replaced.