PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F. 445 



•appear to them, generally iu the form of a blackfellow who has evil 

 intentions, and who is usually seen at the end of summer, at 

 twilight, or when it is growing dark. They also imagine that they 

 have contracted fatal diseases. 



It is almost impossible to get consistent and steady farmwork 

 done by them, but tlie work of bush clearing and fencing is well 

 done. The men's favorite occupation is the cutting and carving 

 out native weapons to sell to visitors at the Station. Some of 

 the women make baskets from a long fibrous grass which grows in 

 swampy ground. The women are not good cooks, probably because 

 cooking requires care and attention, and also because of hereditary 

 tendencies. Damper and fried meats are favorite dishes. The 

 natives are still capable of taking large quantities of food at a 

 time, and this satisfies hunger for a considerable period. 



In ordinary life, the native is slow in his movements, his gait 

 is slouching; he walks with both head and body forward, the knee 

 being bent in taking his long step ; his arms hang habitually with 

 the palm of the hand to the rear. His astonishment is expressed 

 by wide opened eyes and month, and often by the hands being 

 raised with fingers widely extended, and tlie palms directed toward 

 the cause of his astonishment. When he is indignant or defiant, 

 he frowns, holds his body and head erect, squares his shoulders, 

 and clenches his fists. When he is in low spirits, the corners of his 

 mouth are depressed. When he is in bright spirits, his eyes 

 sparkle, the corners of his mouth are drawn back, and his whole 

 face lights up. When he is sulky, he has a dogged, obstinate 

 expression, and his brow is lowering. 



From a close observation of these natives, one sees that they 

 do not suffer pain as acutely as do the higher races, their skin 

 seems not so sensitive. They have a low vitality, and little power 

 of resistance, therefore they easily succumb to diseases. Still, 

 they do not become very readily the victims of epidemics, with 

 the exception of influenza and colds. They have strong powers of 

 recuperation after accidents. They cannot lift heavy weights. 

 Very few of the women are able to do hard work. They do not 

 bear the cold well, but they enjoy exposure to the direct rays of 

 the sun. 



The Victorian native is very conservative. He has a strong 

 attachment to ancestral habits, and a dislike to change and reform. 

 This accounts for the imperfect way in which he has adapted him- 

 self to the requirements of civilization. He is still simple and 

 untaught. He seems incapable of grasping the laws of clean and 

 healthy living. It is sad to know the Victorian blacks are dying 

 fast, although they are guarded and guided by those who have 

 their interests at heart. All advice given falls on dull under- 

 standings. The half-castes, in most cases, are intelligent and 



