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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 61, 12 March 1877, Page 2

A Wellington paper states that Dr Hector has received a large number of new seeds of various .kinds from America, partly as a result.of the Government grant of £100 fpr : ,tbe purpose of importing new and valuable- ' seeds; and plants, which was expended in tms way by Dr Hector while in California iThe seeds include those of about 35 varieties *<d spines and other, trees .&£., the <Botanicv Gardens. : s V" \ V n - The steamer Blackbird arrived at Cooktown, Queensland, on the 3rd instant, and landed three wounded men from the steamer Douglas. The story of the crew and their encounter with the blacks is a most extraOrdinary one. The Douglas left-Cairns last month for Guano Island. On the way aW called at an island off Card well and procured three aboriginals. On her arrival at Guano Island; two of the crew and two blacks Te'tafr " ashore, when the latter killed the former; aqd then swam to the vessel, and killed the mate with an axe. The other sailors and the captain.came up on deck, when they were attacked, wounded, and forced to retire into' the cabin. The cook took refuge in the galley, and the three seamen in the rigging. Next day the cook shot one of the blacks. The crew then armed .themselves, and shot another black in the rigging, and afterwards the [third, who had jumped; overboard.