arm, a cross on the right
hand, and the figure of a woman on the breast! Such were the ingenious
methods which, induced by indolence and vanity, these men permitted, to
lessen the chances of escape. The initials generally differed from those
of the known name, and indicated that the wearer, some time or other,
had occasion for disguise: others were obviously memorials of past
affection, and of names perhaps associated with blighted hopes and better
days. Besides these marks, were others; scars, usually the result of
a life of mingled intemperance and violence: thus, almost in succession,
the list of absconders gives the following--"a scar on the forehead;"
"scar on the right eye;" "his arm has been broken;" "his nose inclines
to the left cheek;" "a broken nose."[162]

All that might assist the police was registered: their native place,
their age, their crime, and sentence. They were then detached to their
masters; marched, sometimes, in considerable bodies, from Kangaroo Point
to Launceston, 120 miles. The mechanics were reserved for government
employ, and the concealment of a trade, was visited as a crime; yet
convicts did conceal their trade, instructed by former experience, or a
hint from a veteran predecessor. They knew that mechanical knowledge
might prolong their detention, and deprive them of many present
advantages. They knew that, though rated as laborers, they might obtain
a master who would pay them. This was effected, sometimes, at once, or
by the agency of a friend; or oftener by the prisoner, who, on his first
opportunity, would hint to a builder or carpenter, that he knew
something of a trade. An order was obtained for a _laborer_, which would
not have been spared for a mechanic: a fee to the clerk, secured the
intended selection; and the man assigned to carry the materials of a
building, was taught, in a time which seemed incredibly short, all the
mysteries of line and rule. It is thus that weakness ever arms itself
against might.

The increased demand for assigned servants, enabled Governor Arthur to
enforce the regulations which had been often promulgated in vain. It
ceased to be necessary to pay wages, and the master was bound to provide
sufficient food and clothing for his men: the scale was determined. The
practice of lending out servants was restricted, and finally abolished.
All those means of stimulating labor, which had tended to suggest the
rights of property, were forbidden. It had been the c