20 ABORIGINES AND COLONISTS. [CH. 1. 



the former day, owing probably to the refreshing moisture 

 and cooler air. After the tents had been pitched, a fine 

 invigorating breeze arose, and the weather cleared up. 

 Segenhoe, the extensive estate of Potter Macqueen, Esq. 

 was not far distant, and Mr. Sempill the agent, called at 

 my tent, and afforded me some aid in completing my ar- 



rangements. 



I was very anxious to obtain the assistance of an aboriginal 

 guide, but the natives had almost all disappeared from the 

 valley of the Hunter ; and those who still linger near their 

 ancient haunts, are sometimes met with, about such large 

 establishments as Segenhoe, where, it may be presumed, 

 they meet with kind treatment. Their reckless gaiety of 

 manner; intelligence respecting the country, expressed in 

 a laughable inversion of slang words ; their dexterity, and 

 skill in the use of their weapons ; and above all, their few 

 wants, generally ensure them that look of welcome,* with- 

 out which these rovers of the wild will seldom visit a farm 

 or cattle station. Among those, who have become sufficiently 

 acquainted with us, to be sensible of that happy state of secu- 

 rity, enjoyed by all men under the protection of our laws, the 

 conduct is strikingly different from that of the natives who 

 remain in a savage state. The latter are named " myalls," 

 by their half civilized brethren — who, indeed, hold them so 

 much in dread, that it is seldom possible to prevail on any 

 one to accompany a traveller far into the unexplored parts of 

 the country. At Segenhoe, on a former occasion, I met with 

 a native but recently arrived from the wilds. His terror and 

 suspicion, when required to stand steadily before me, while 1 

 drew his portrait, were such, that, notwithstanding the power 

 of disguising fear, so i"emarkable in the savage race, the 

 stout heart of Cambo was overcome, and beat visibly; — the 

 perspiration streamed from his breast, and he was a)>out to 

 sink to the ground, when he at length suddenly darted from 

 my presence; but he speedily returned, bearing in one hui;d 

 * Tlicy imdrr^tund our looks Iicttcr tlian our spcocli. 



