AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES. 



In tlie estimation of some of the earliest settlers, this calculation of the 

 average strength of each tribe is too low ; but, as they could not tell how many 

 tribes or portions of tribes were seen by them at one time, the statements of the 

 natives who attended these great meetings, and of those who remember the 

 accounts given of them by their parents, are the most reliable. 



On questioning old Weeratt Kuyuut — who was privileged as a messenger to 

 travel among the tribes between the rivers Leigh and Glenelg — about the 

 population of the Great Plains, which have Mount Elephant as a centre, he said 

 the natives were like flocks of sheep and beyond counting. 



At this date, July, 1880, there are only seven aborigines who speak the 

 Chaap wuurong language, three who speak the Kuurn kopan noot language, and 

 four who speak the Peek whuurong language. 



