UNFAVOURABLE RESULTS. 
423 
various schools established for their instruction, in 
the different Colonies. Numerous examples might 
be given of the great degree of proficiency made ; 
and often, of many of the scholars being in such a 
state of forwardness and improvement, as reasonably 
to sanction the expectation, that they might one 
day become useful and intelligent members of the 
community : this hope has, however, hitherto, in 
almost every instance, been sooner or later disap- 
pointed, and they have again descended from the 
civilized to the savage state. What can be the causes 
then, that have operated to produce such unfavour- 
able results ? 
If we admit, and it is admitted by all whose expe- 
rience best qualifies them to give an opinion, that the 
Australian is fully equal in natural powers and in- 
telligence, to the generality of mankind ; it is very 
evident, that where so little success has hitherto 
attended any attempts to improve him, either 
morally or socially, there must either be some radi- 
cal defects in the systems adopted, or some strongly 
counteracting causes to destroy their efficiency. I 
believe, that to both these circumstances, may be 
traced the results produced. 
The following remarks, by Captain Grey, upon 
this subject, point out some of the evils to which 
the natives are subject, and in a great degree, 
account for the preference they appear to give to 
their own wild life and habits. (VoL 2. pp. 367 to 
371.) He says : — 
