these authorities, are
full of errors; but they are the errors of inference, not of
observation: it is useless to repeat, in order to correct them. The
colonists have possessed better opportunities, and their acquaintance
with aboriginal habits supplies more accurate information, than could be
expected in the volumes of navigators.

Such as we have given, is their testimony to the social aspect of the
native character: nothing unfavorable is omitted. In a people so gentle
and affable, it is difficult to recognise the race afterwards covered
with sores, wasted by want and vice, or animated with revenge; and who
filled the colony with disgust and terror.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: This Otaheitian was returning from England to his native
country. In London, he was the lion of the day: he was introduced to the
first circles, and saw whatever in a great city could elevate his ideas:
his manners acquired the polish of society. Grenville Sharpe (he who
secured the decision that the soil of Britain gives freedom to the slave
that touches it) endeavoured to improve his moral sentiments. He pointed
out the practical injustice of polygamy. Omai replied, "one wife,
good--two wife, very good--three wife, very very good;" but he had not
misunderstood the argument. Taking three knives, he put two of them side
by side, and the other at a distance, and referring to a nobleman who
had left his wife for a mistress, said--"there Lord A., and there
Miss ----; and there Lady A. lie down and cry." (Life of G. Sharpe.)

But the moment he landed, he resumed all the customs of his countrymen,
and employed his knowledge of arms to destroy them. This was the only
trace of his civilisation which survived the voyage: he had seen regal
grandeur and mercantile power, but he retained his preference for the
habits of his then heathen race.]

[Footnote 2: "But these good savages took hold of our arms, and
supported us."]

SECTION II.

The party dispatched from Sydney, to take possession of the island, and
who landed in August, on their arrival at Risdon saw nothing of the
natives. A solitary savage, armed with a spear, afterwards entered the
camp, and was cordially greeted. He accepted the trinkets which they
offered, but he looked on the novelties scattered about without
betraying surprise. By his gestures they inferred that he discharged
them from their trespass. He then turned towards the woods, and when
they attempted to follow, he place