436 
DEFECTS OF THE 
intended for the scholars were shared by the other 
natives, whilst the evil influence of example, 
and the jeers of their companions, did away 
with any good impression produced by their in- 
struction. I have myself, upon going round the 
encampments in Adelaide by night, seen the school- 
children ridiculed by the elder boys, and induced to 
join them in making a jest of what they had been 
taught during the day to look upon as sacred. 
A still more serious evil, resulting from this 
system was, that the children were more completely 
brought into the power, and under the influence of 
the parents, and thus their natural taste for an indo- 
lent and rambling life, was constantly kept up. 
The boys naturally became anxious to participate 
and excel in the sports, ceremonies, or pursuits of 
their equals, and the girls were compelled to yield 
to the customs of their tribe, and break through 
every lesson of decency or morality, which had been 
inculcated. 
Since June, 1843, the system has so far been 
altered, that the children, whilst under instruction, 
are boarded and lodged at the school houses, and as 
far as practicable, the boys and girls are kept sepa- 
rate. There are still, however, many evils attending 
the present practice, most of which arise from the 
inadequacy of the funds, applicable to the Abori- 
gines, and which must be removed before any per- 
manent good can be expected from the instruction 
given. The first of these, and perhaps one of the 
