REGARDING THE NATIVES. 
155 
to enable us successfully to contend with the diffi- 
culties and impediments in the way of their rising in 
the scale of civilization. 
Upon the second point it is also necessary to make 
many inquiries before we arrive at our conclusions ; 
and I have no doubt, if this be done with calmness, 
and without prejudice, it will be generally found 
that there are many extenuating circumstances 
which may be brought to modify our judgment. 
I am anxious, if possible, to place a few of these 
before the public, in the hope, that by lessening in 
some degree the unfavourable opinion heretofore 
entertained of the Aborigines, they may be con- 
sidered for the future as more deserving our sym- 
pathy and benevolence. 
Without assuming for the native a freedom from 
vice, or in any way attempting to palliate the many 
brutalising habits that pollute his character, I would 
still contend that, if stained with the excesses of 
unrestrained passions, he is still sometimes sensible 
to the better emotions of humanity. Many of the 
worst traits in his character are the result of ne- 
cessity, or the force of custom— -the better ones are 
implanted in him as a part of his nature. With ca- 
pabilities for receiving, and an aptness for acquiring 
instruction, I believe he has also the capacity for 
appreciating the rational enjoyments of life. 
Even in his present low and debased condition, 
and viewed under every disadvantage, I do not 
imagine that his vices would usually be found 
