48o 



KING GEORGE'S SOUND 



CHAP. XIX 



one man imitated the movements of a kangaroo grazing in the 

 woods, whilst a second crawled up and pretended to spear him. 

 When both tribes mingled in the dance, the ground trembled 

 with the heaviness of their steps, and the air resounded with 

 their wild cries. Every one appeared in high spirits, and the 

 group of nearly naked figures, viewed by the light of the 

 blazing fires, all moving in hideous harmony, formed a perfect 

 display of a festival amongst the lowest barbarians. In Tierra 

 del Fuego we have beheld many curious scenes in savage life, 

 but never, I think, one where the natives were in such high 

 spirits, and so perfectly at their ease. After the dancing was 

 over, the whole party formed a great circle on the ground, and 

 the boiled rice and sugar was distributed, to the delight of all. 



After several tedious delays from clouded weather, on the 

 14th of March we gladly stood out of King George's Sound 

 on our course to Keeling Island. Farewell, Australia ! you 

 are a rising child, and doubtless some day will reign a great 

 princess in the South ; but you are too great and ambitious 

 for affection, yet not great enough for respect. I leave your 

 shores without sorrow or regret. 



AUSTRALIAN GROUP OF WEAPONS AND THROWING STICKS. 



