266 Papers relating to Aborigines of Andaman Islands. [No. 3, 
The same remark has been made also of the New Zealander, belong- 
ing to a very different race of humankind, since the introduction of 
blankets, and other European clothing amongst them, they having 
also been subject to pulmonary diseases, which seem to have been 
previously unknown. 
Now it is remarkable of the three Andamanese at present in Moul- 
mein, one is already suffering from a pulmonary affection, and it is 
desirable, that he, at least, should be returned to Port Blair, by the 
first opportunity. The others also appear pining from this cause, 
and from home sickness,— they are not likely to learn much more 
than what they have already learnt, should their stay be further pro- 
tracted. Besides it may not be advisable to overstrain their faculties. 
They are quite able to appreciate the kindness, with which they have 
been treated, and it is well that they should communicate this to 
their fellow savages. It may be finally added, that they have been 
uniformly tractable and good humored, and have manifested a marked 
partiality for children. It is to be regretted, that scarcely a word 
has been gathered of their language, the sounds of which are by no 
means confused, or inarticulate. The reason is, that they persist in 
imitating every sound, that is addressed to them, and it is only 
when they try to make themselves understood, or in speaking one to 
another, that an idea of their vocal enunciation can be obtained. 
Although in the prime of life, they are in fact too old to be taught 
much. But should any accident happen to throw children of the 
race under the care of Captain Haugliton, there might then be a 
better opportunity of acquiring means of linguistic communication. 
Since the foregoing remarks were committed to paper, our Anda- 
manese friends conceived the idea of an escapade, and very nearly 
carried it into effect. One very boisterous and rainy night, it was 
discovered at 2 a. m., that they had absconded, and at dawn their 
foot prints were traced to a sawpit, on the banks of the Moulmein 
river, near their late place of abode, where it appears they had 
collected a few loose planks, with which they had formed a raft, and 
boldly launched themselves off. A single large yam was the only 
provision they had taken with them, as far as could be learned. 
Three police boats were sent immediately in pursuit of the fugitives, 
and at nightfall intelligence was obtained of their having been seen 
by a Taloing, on an islet about twelve miles below Moulmein. On 
