422 INTELLIGENCE OF CHILDREN. 
mony that is completely borne out by the many 
instances on record, of the quickness with which 
natives h^ve learned our language, or the facility 
with which temporarily they have accommodated 
themselves to our habits and customs. 
On the natural intelligence of the native children, 
Mr. Moorhouse remarks, after several years practical 
experience : — 
“ They are as apt as European children so far as they have 
been tried, but they have not been put to abstract reasoning. 
Their perceptive powers are large, as they are much exercised 
in procuring food, &c. Anything requiring perception only is 
readily mastered, the alphabet will be kuown in a few lessons ; 
figures are soon recognised, and the quantities they represent, 
but addition from figures alone always presents difficulties for a 
while, but in a little time, however, it is understood.” 
Upon the same subject, Captain Grey remarks, 
vol. ii. p. 374. 
“ They are as apt and intelligent as any other race of men I 
am acquainted with ; they are subject to the same affections, 
appetites, and passions as other men.” 
Innumerable cases might be adduced, where native 
boys, or young men, and sometimes even females, 
have been taken into the employment of the settlers, 
and have lived with them as active and useful 
servants for many months, and occasionally even 
years. Unfortunately, however, in all such cases, 
they have eventually returned again to their savage 
life, and given up the customs and habits they had 
assumed. The same result has occurred among 
the many children who have been educated at the 
