emerge from the circle of its mere animal wants—­which has never exhibited the least inclination to develop the most ordinary arts—­which not only rejects clothing, but is absolutely indifferent to ornament—­which leaves its weapons uncarved, its skin unpainted, free from tattoo, we must not despair of the general efficacy of civilization.  These savages of Australia, as we call them, who have adorned the rocks of Depuch Island with their drawings, have in one thing proved themselves superior to the Egyptian and the Etruscan, whose works have elicited so much admiration and afforded food to so many speculations—­namely, there is not in them to be observed the slightest trace of indecency.

(Footnote.  See the accompanying lithographic impression of the copies made by Captain Wickham of the native drawings on Depuch Island.)

During our stay we did not see any of the natives on the island; but on the main several of them were observed, though they would not allow us to communicate, moving off as soon as any attempt was made to get near them in the boats.  On one occasion, when Mr. Fitzmaurice, in a whaleboat, was examining a part of the coast to the eastward of Depuch Island, he entered a creek, which soon, however, became too confined by the mud-banks for them to use the oars.

HOSTILITY OP THE NATIVES.

While in this position a shout attracted his attention, and he perceived a party of natives, armed with spears approaching the boat, with evident hostile designs.  They of course naturally looked upon us as intruders; and as the point was not worth contesting, the creek being of no importance, Mr. Fitzmaurice thought it better to withdraw, rather than run the risk of a collision that could have led to no beneficial results.

TOM’S TERROR OF THEM.

The native youth we had brought with us from Swan River did not at all approve of these excursions.  He was generally taken, with a view of giving confidence to any of his wild countrymen who might be encountered; but he exhibited the greatest possible repugnance to this service.  His terror for the northern men fully equalled that of Miago, from whom doubtless he had received the most terrific accounts.  It was only by giving him a gun that he could be at all induced to go.  He evidently felt himself more secure with European arms than with his own rude ones; and appeared to have learnt their superiority by experience, for he was a very fair shot.  When I first asked him why he did not prefer his spear, his simple reply was, “Can’t look out;” meaning that the northern men could not see the contents of a gun coming, whereas if a spear were hurled at them they could avoid it.  His bravery was of much the same complexion as that of Miago; and he threatened magnanimously to inflict the most condign punishment on the fellows who opposed Mr. Fitzmaurice’s landing.  He had a strong impression that these northern people were of gigantic stature; and in the midst of the silent and gaping interest with which he listened to Mr. Fitzmaurice’s account of his adventure, the words big fella often escaped from his lips; and he appeared quite satisfied when assured that his opinion was correct.