ETERNAL SUNSHINE 41 



autochones, but are in many cases absolutely better 

 adapted, and so overrun and extirpate the aborigines. 

 Clearly, therefore, the species which naturally inhabits 

 a country is not necessarily the best adapted to its 

 climate and other conditions." Australian aboriginals 

 having given way before a race better fitted to flourish, 

 what will the future of the new race be ? What ideal 

 is at present pursued ? 



To one who firmly upholds the theory of the evolution 

 of Australian types, and who thinks he perceives con- 

 vincing evidence in support of his belief, it seems likely 

 that on the tropical coast, where the influence of the 

 sun is all-powerful, rainfall abundant, and vegetation 

 prolific, the type will not only be more rapidl}' developed, 

 but that it will be pronounced in bodily form, in tongue, 

 , and in temperament. One of the reasons compelling 

 I towards such conclusion is the decided desire — nay, the 

 I ambition — on the part of native-born Australians to do 

 glad and seemly homage to the sun. 



If a traveller from distant and friendly lands were 

 ■ to accept as germs of a tj^pe those who sport in the surf 

 } at fashionable watering-places, he might infer from the 

 i display of brown backs and shoulders that Australia 

 ] had not escaped a smudge of aboriginal blood. But this 

 i ardently cultivated tint is notoriously impermanent. 



I Contradictory as it may be, the most earnest advocates 

 of the "White Australia" principle use more than the 

 i average quantity of oil, which makes the skin to shine 

 " and embrown under the influence of the much-loved 

 sun. Do not their shoulders bear testimony to the 

 sun's wholesome salutations, and does not the too fair 

 and thin-skinned individual smart under his peeling 

 and display envy against the favoured ones who burn 

 to the tint of old copper ? Naturally, those who have 

 the most intense longing for a coloured skin, who per- 



