416 Proceedings of the Boyal Society 
the judicious leaving of presents for them, and by the habitual 
kindness of reception shown to any of their number venturing into 
the settlement, this timidity was gradually overcome. At that time 
a zealous and devoted servant of the Government, Mr J. Homfray, 
voluntarily went into the jungle and lived amongst these savages as 
one of themselves. Ignoring the discomforts of the position and 
thoroughly ingratiating himself with them, he remained in their 
midst until he acquired a fluent knowledge of their imperfect but 
difficult dialect. By this means he established in them a confidence 
and friendly feeling towards the “ strange white people.” The 
policy of this course was soon apparent. These islands were destined 
to be a great convict settlement, and the co-operation and friendli- 
ness of the aborigines with the British Government would at once 
strengthen the hands of the latter in the management of the place, 
by rendering escapes practicably impossible. 
At the present time all the tribes in the neighbourhood of Port 
Blair are on most friendly relationship with the Executive here. 
One of the settlement officers has it, as his special duty, to look 
after them. On one of the islands here, called Viper Island, there is 
a “ Home ” for the reception of such healthy members of the jungle 
tribes as like to come in. Here they are well housed and fed. In 
exchange they make bows, spears, and various rude ornaments, 
spear and store up turtle, &c., and by the sale of these augment the 
Government grant allowed for their support. There is also a school 
for Andamanese children on Boss Island (the chief station here), 
where they are taught to read, write, and speak English and 
Hindostani, together with the elements of arithmetic, &c., and the 
girls in addition, needlework. Besides this there are the Andamanese 
Hospital and the Convalescent House on Viper Island, which were 
under my direction when I was in the capacity of Additional 
Medical Officer. While in the latter function, I resided myself 
on Viper Island, and so had considerable opportunities of observing 
the Andamanese both in hospital and in their normal condition. 
Since my promotion to the duties of Second Medical Officer, their 
medical charge has unfortunately left my hands. 
Finally, the Andamanese at present most efficiently fulfil the 
function of always having 20 to 50 armed men ready on the shortest 
notice, to scour the jungle and recover, dead or alive, any escaped 
