child: it is said, that they
deposited several together, in final resting places.

They were jealous of spectators, and took offence if they approached
their dead. Bodies not consumed, were placed in hollow trees, and closed
in by underwood: decomposition being completed in these natural tombs,
the survivors carried away the bones. Backhouse saw a striking funeral:
a woman died; they built a pile of logs; laid the body thereon, and
watched all night. At daybreak they applied the brand; then covering
their faces with the ashes, which became furrowed with their tears, they
sat down and lamented!

Just after the capture, an aborigine told his tribe that his
death was at hand. He requested them to prepare the wood for his
obsequies, while he leaned against a tree, directing their sad labors:
he died that night! This is touching. A savage preparing for his
funeral, with a calm consciousness of his fate--midst the ruins of his
fading race!

* * * * *

In closing this mournful record, the reader is conscious that the
history of the Tasmanian is but the experience of myriads. As an
exhibition of Providence, it fills us with astonishment;--of human
passions, with humiliation and sadness. The current of immigration will
not be diverted by abstract questions of human rights, nor will states
model their policy to preserve the barbarian; but the path of history is
clear, and even self love, which may carefully _sift evidence_, must not
turn from the lessons it offers.

The original occupation of this country necessarily involved most of the
consequences which followed: was that occupation, then, just? The right
of wandering hordes to engross vast regions--for ever to retain
exclusive property in the soil, and which would feed millions where
hundreds are scattered--can never be maintained. The laws of increase
seem to suggest the right of migration: neither nations nor individuals
are bound to tarry on one spot, and die. The assumption of sovereignty
over a savage people is justified by necessity--that law, which gives to
strength the control of weakness. It prevails everywhere: it may be
either malignant or benevolent, but it is irresistible. The barbarian
that cannot comprehend laws or treaties, must be governed by bribes, or
by force. Thus, that the royal standard was planted, need occasion no
remorse; but though the native had not exclusive natural rights, he
possessed the attributes of man, and