COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. 
97 
attend there to search for them at low water. This i82i. 
small fry I take to be the top of their fishery : Aug. 20. 
they have no instruments to catch great fish, 
should they come; and such seldom stay to be 
left behind at low- water: nor could we catch any 
fish with our hooks and lines all the while we 
lay there. In other places at low-water they 
seek for cockles, muscles, and periwinkles. Of 
these shell- fish there are fewer still; so that their 
chief dependance is upon what the sea leaves 
in their wares ; which, be it much or little, they 
gather up, and march to the places of their 
abode. There the old people that are not able 
to stir abroad by reason of their age, and the 
tender infants, wait their return ; and what Pro- 
vidence has bestowed on them, they presently 
broil on the coals, and eat it in common. Some- 
times they get as many fish as makes them a 
plentiful banquet ; and at other times they scarce 
get every one a taste ; but be it little or much 
that they get, every one has his part, as well the 
young and tender, the old and feeble, who are 
not able to go abroad, as the strong and lusty. 
When they have eaten they lie down till the 
next low-water, and then all that are able march 
out, be it night or day, rain or shine, ’tis all 
one; they must attend the wears, or else they 
must fast ; for the earth affords them no food at 
VoL. 11, H 
