North-west Australian Fishery. 157 



of the ground worked ; but for finding shell they 

 cannot be beaten, whilst for powers of endurance an 

 Australian native is unequalled in the world. Their 

 struggle in endeavouring to gain a bare subsistence 

 in this thirsty land, is most severe, and their 

 endurance of thirst, their patience, and their tenacity 

 of purpose are marvellous. 



They are all passed before the magistrate at 

 Roebourne every season, and he sees that each 

 man is willing and physically fit for the work, and 

 that at the end of the season he is returned to 

 his home. The regulations providing for their food, 

 clothes, and remuneration, are carried out fairly, 

 although the latter is • of far less importance to 

 these men than the former. " Damper," or unleavened 

 bread, forms the staple food of Australian divers, 

 and they consume great quantities of it ; it is good 

 food to work on — far better than rice — and fish, 

 dugong, and turtle, serve as welcome additions. 

 Their powers of sight are very keen ; when walking 

 on a dry reef, they will follow a white man and 

 pick up numbers of shells that he has passed over. 

 It is a curious fact that a man who by some mis- 

 chance has lost an eye, is always the sharpest in 

 finding shell. 



On some days the men are in good spirits, 

 laughing and joking continually; but at other times 



