principal facts of geography, and also on several points of useful information. Some very fair specimens of handwriting were exhibited on such occasions; one, in particular, was worthy of notice, being an original address from the writer—a native youth of fifteen years of age, who was employed by me in my office—to his countrymen. It was expressed in simple and tolerably correct language, and breathed a warm spirit of gratitude to myself. In the schools they were taught various handiwork, such as knitting in worsted, sewing, &c.; and they proved to be apt and industrious scholars." In his Progress Report, dated May 17th, 1837, he wrote: "The schools and religious services are still maintained, and the Natives are constant and regular in their attendance. They are rapidly acquiring industrious habits. The settlement is in a very powerful, tranquil state."
What more could be wanted? It was an age of steam. Flinders rose at once, under Mr. Robinson, to its highest development, like Athens, under Pericles; and it sank more rapidly into barbarism upon the departure of its master.
A little must be placed to that love of "high talk" which ever accompanied the declarations of the Commandant; as the examination, to be detailed hereafter, hardly indicates so lofty an intellect, or exhibits so marvellous a moral result.
The last passage of the celebrated Sydney speech is a painful commentary upon this work of progress: "The only drawback on the establishment was the great mortality amongst them." But even then his exultant spirit hopefully cries: "But those who did survive were now happy, contented, and useful members of society." In 1861 he saw the non-fulfilment of his prophecy. This is his remarkable expression:—
"The most serious drawback to the success of the establishment was the great mortality among them, which has continued to so lamentable an extent, that at the present time there are but a small remnant living. Had the poor creatures survived to have become a numerous people, I am convinced they would have formed a contented and useful community."
Alas! it is the story of the Frenchman's horse, that died just when he had acquired the power of living without eating. In the process of regeneration they lost the life they had. Even the Committee of the Aborigines' Society were at last sensible of the folly of this over-legislation; for, in their Report for
