gth they were safely
lodged on Swan Island. They were fine muscular men, and excited great
interest and sympathy.

This incident suggested to the venerable artist, Mr. Duterreau, the idea
of a national picture: he depicts the interview, and delineates the
various countenances, drawn from the life, with great energy and effect.
Robinson is seen in expostulation with a listening chief; a woman,
behind him, is endeavouring to pour distrust into his ear. Others are
looking on in expectation or in doubt. The grouping is skilful and
expressive; and this picture, which has the great merit of minutely
representing the attitudes and customs of the natives, will be an
interesting memorial, in another age, of the most honorable passage in
Tasmanian history.

The results of his enterprise produced a strong impression in favor of
Mr. Robinson: he had been thought rash, and even fanatical; his death
had been predicted a hundred times--his success was attributed, half in
jest and half in earnest, to some species of animal enchantment. The
government, at the suggestion of the Committee, acknowledged his
exertions, not only with warm eulogy but substantial rewards. He
received a maximum grant, in the title of which his service to the
public was recorded, and was paid a salary more suited to the office he
filled. Others were also liberally recompensed for their contributions
to his success, of which the merit was more in its conception than in
its detail.

Having shewn the possibility of conciliation, Mr. Robinson declined the
further risk of his life, except on terms which would place his family
beyond the reach of want. The Governor fully met his just claims,
providing pensions for his wife and children, in case of his death, and
promising L1,000,--L300 in hand, and the rest when all should be brought
in. It was understood, that the future government of the aborigines
should be entrusted to his charge, when the mission had realised its
intention. The Governor granted all his requests, and spared no expense
to ensure his success. The task was not accomplished for several years,
but from this time the natives at large rarely appeared, and the
colonists enjoyed that repose to which they so long had been strangers.
His labours were attended with various and unusual perils. It was the
custom of the men belonging to the Circular Head establishment, to
approach the native fires, and destroy all they could not capture. One
night, Robinson,