378 
INFANTICIDE. 
children born on an average to each mother, two 
only are reared, and these subject to all the ca- 
sualties and dangers which savage life is ex- 
posed to. # 
Upon inquiry into the causes which tend to pre- 
vent population going on in an increasing ratio 
among the natives of Australia, the following ap- 
pear to be the most prominent. First, polygamy, 
and the illicit and almost unlimited intercourse 
between the sexes, habits which are well known 
to check the progress of population, wherever they 
prevail. 
Secondly. Infanticide, which is very general, and 
practised to a great extent, especially among the 
younger and favourite women. 
Thirdly. Diseases, to which in a savage state 
* This can of course only apply to tribes tolerably well known 
to Europeans, and more or less frequently coming in contact 
with them. Of tribes in their natural state we can have no ac- 
curate data, and but few passing notes even that are worthy of 
confidence. Generally I have found children to be numerous 
among tribes who have never had intercourse with Europeans* 
and it is a well known fact that the increase of numbers in abo- 
riginal tribes is checked in proportion to the frequency, or the 
extent of their communication with Europeans. At Flinders 
island to which 210 Van Diemen’s Land natives were removed 
from Van Diemen’s Land in 1835, this is singularly exemplified. 
In 1842 Count Strzelecki says, page 353 — “And while each 
family of the interior of New South Wales, un contaminated by 
contact with the whites, swarms with children, those of Flinders 
island, had during eight years an accession of only fourteen in 
number.” 
