260 
THE WESTERN COAST. 
the original colonists, though still turbulent and 
disorderly, warmly attached to their European 
friends, and ready to concur in any measures for 
their mutual security ; but much more formidable 
obstacles presented themselves, in prevailing upon 
the native chiefs to ratify the surrender of terri- 
tory which had been formerly occupied. The on- 
ly property with which the savage is acquainted, 
consists of the fruits of the earth, his ornaments, 
arms, and instruments of hunting and fishing. 
He changes his habitation according to conve- 
nience, and never thinks of buying or selling the 
earth upon which he roams at large. His own 
possession of territory is temporary ; he cannot 
therefore believe that any cession is perpetual. He 
admits a colony, because he imagines it consists of 
his friends, or because the colonists have purchas- 
ed his friendship \ but as soon as he changes his 
opinion, or withdraws his friendship, he thinks 
himself completely justified in resuming that right 
which he had abandoned without reflection. Af- 
ter a palaver held for the purpose, and consider- 
able altercation, Mr Falconbridge repurchased 
the former territory, on condition of building his 
colonial town in another situation. The restored 
colony was accordingly placed at Granville Town, 
which had been deserted by the natives from su- 
perstitious motives, at a small distance from the 
ruins of Tree Town, its former situation. 
