476 



CHARLES DARWIN 



savage life, but never, I think, one where the natives were 

 in such high spirits, and so perfectly at their ease. After 

 the dancing was over, the whole party formed a great circle 

 on the ground, and the boiled rice and sugar was distributed, 

 to the delight of all. 



After several tedious delays from clouded weather, on the 

 14th of March, we gladly stood out of King George's Sound 

 on our course to Keeling Island. Farewell, Australia! you 

 are a rising child, and doubtless some day will reign a great 

 princess in the South : but you are too great and ambitious 

 for affection, yet not great enough for respect I leave your 

 shores without sorrow or regret, 



