THE AUSTRALIAN RACE. 



141 



Much was said of the ravages of the ' native dog,' or rather Aus- 

 tralian wolf; for although the animal is somewhat at variance with 

 the Zoological character of Australia, I could not learn that it is ever 

 the companion of man. The only specimen I ever saw, was kept 

 in confinement ; and I found other reasons for suspecting that it is 

 a peculiar species. If these inferences are confirmed, the Austra- 

 lians will be found to be destitute of domestic animals ; a circum- 

 stance, perhaps fairly unique. Indeed, I know of no other branches 

 of the human family that are thus situated, besides the inhabitants 

 of a few detached coral islands, and possibly, the Californians of 

 Sacramento. 



Continuing our journey, two natives were seen in the distance, who 

 were shouting, occupied apparently about a particular tree; but we 

 did not go near them. Being in their original state of nudity, I sup- 

 posed at the time, that they belonged to the wild communities ; but I 

 was subsequently informed, that the locality was not far enough in 

 the Interior. In Australia, both sexes are destitute of clothing; and 

 here we have a people of whom it may literally be said, that " they 

 know not that they are naked." 



On the 16th, we again reached Sydney, where I remained until 

 the 8th of February ; most of the time, however, confined to the house 

 by illness. The only other natives I saw, were begging, sometimes 

 two or three in company, in the streets. I must refer the reader to 

 the Narrative and Ethnography of the Expedition, for various in- 

 teresting particulars respecting the Australians ; involving, among 

 other matters, the absence of any proper form of government, and of 

 the idea of attributing superiority to one man over another. 



NORTHERN AUSTRALIANS. 



A great uniformity in the habits of the people, appears to prevail 

 throughout Australia ; and it is only in the extreme Northeast, in 

 the immediate vicinity of Torres Straits, that any important vari- 

 ation is known to take place. In this quarter, Flinders observed the 

 use of " the bow ; and he met with some individuals in the Gulf of 

 Carpentaria, who appeared to have been circumcised : but further 

 west, the usual Australian weapons again made their appearance." 

 A missile club, analogous to the Feejeean, is represented in the 



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