AFT££ THE AURIFAL OF THE SECOND FLEET. 1S0 timely appearance of immense flocks of birds and the ^'^ plentiful supply of fresh fish saved the people from starva- tion.* The birds referred to are called petrels in some of the accounts; Phillip described them as puffins. t They came in thousands to Mount Pitt, a high hill near Sydney Bay, the head-quarters of the settlement, and as they were easily killed they afforded an abundant supply of animal food. It was noticed as a remarkable circumstance that the birds made their appearance almost immediately after the loss of the Sirius, and did not leave Mount Pitt until the relief arrived. Prom this fact they were called ^' Birds of "sirdBof Providence." They were also called " Pittites."J ° ^^ According to Collins, there went to Norfolk Islojid, in the Surprize, Mr. Thomas Freeman, Deputy-Commissary, who had been appointed to the office by the Governor's war- offldab. rant, and two superintendents, who were recent arrivals.§ He mentions at the same time a name which has become historic. " There came out in the Neptune a person of the name of Wentworth, who, being desirous of some employ- TyAroy ment in this country, was now sent to Norfolk Island to act as an assistant to the surgeon there, being reputed to have the necessary requisites for such a situation." || This was Mr. D'Arcy Wentworth, a young man who had been trained in England for the medical profession. He made good use of his opportunities, and after a few years' service in Norfolk Island as surgeon's assistant and superintendent of convicts
- Ross, in reporting to Ghrenyille the arrival of the Surprize and Justinian,
declared that ** if Proyidence bad not worked a miracle in our favour there would have been but few of us found alive when those ships arrived." — Historical Records, vol. i, part 2, p. 402. t The vulgar name is *' mutton-bird." Mutton-birds are sometimes to be seen in poulterers* shops in Sydney. X An interesting account of these birds, and the manner in which they were made use of, is contained in a letter written by one of the non-commissioned officers of the Sirius. The letter, which forms part of the Banks collection of papers, is published in the Historical Records, vol. i, part 2. The portion relating to the " Birds of Providence " will be found at pp. 397, 398. § Mr. Freeman had been employed as assistant to Mr. Palmer, Commissary at Sydney. I! Ck)liins, vol. i« p. 130.
