34 Of the Checks to Population, §c. Bk. i. 



unite with some other tribe, to prevent their utter 

 extinction.* 



Under such powerful causes of depopulation, 

 we should naturally be inclined to suppose that 

 the animal and vegetable produce of the country 

 would be increasing upon the thinly scattered in- 

 habitants, and, added to the supply of fish from 

 their shores, would be more than sufficient for 

 their consumption; yet it appears, upon the whole, 

 that the population is in general so nearly on a 

 level with the average supply of food, that every 

 little deficiency from unfavourable weather or 

 other causes, occasions distress. Particular times, 

 when the inhabitants seemed to be in great want, 

 are mentioned as not uncommon, and, at these 

 periods, some of the natives were found reduced 

 to skeletons, and almost starved to death. f 



* Collins's New South Wales, Appendix, p. 598. 

 •f Id. c. iii. p. 34, and Appen. p. 551. 



