NEW SOUTH WALES. 
the objedl intended. Fifli were often reprefented, and ^ 
in one place the form of a large lizard was fketclied out ^ 
with tolerable accuracy. On the top of one of the hillsj 
the figure of a man in the attitude ufually affumed by 
them when they begin to dance, was executed in a ftill 
fuperior ftyle. That the arts of imitation and amufe- 
ment, fliould thus in any degree precede thofe of necef- 
fity, feems an exception to the rules laid down by theory 
for the progrefs of invention. But perhaps it may 
better be conlidered as a proof that the climate is never 
fo fevere as to make the provifion of covering or fhelter 
a matter of abfolute neceffity. Had thefe men been 
expofed to a colder atmofphere^ they would doubtlefs 
have had clothes and houfes, before they attempted to 
become fculptors. 
In all the country hitherto explored? the parties have 
feldom gone a quarter of a mile without feeing trees 
which had been on fire. As violent thunder (torms 
are not uncommon on this coaftj it is poiiible that 
they may have been burnt by lightning, which the 
gum-tree is thought particularly to attract ; but it is 
probable alfo that they may have been fet on fire by 
the natives. The gum-tree is highly combuftible, and 
it is a common pradlice with thera to kindle their 
fires at the root of one of thefe trees* When they 
P 2 quit 
