38 
THE ABORIGINES OF GUIANA. 
show surprise, I did not attribute it to insensible stupidity. Saramang, the Macusi, frequently departed from this artificial coldness into 
ejaculations of surprise ; Sororeng, the eldest, never ; his equanimity could not be disturbed by any thing ; but I admired the readiness with 
which the Macusi named in his own language, and in the most apprjopriate manner, those objects which he saw for the first time in 
his life, and of the existence of Avhich he could have had no idea. A great source of delight lay in their visits to the Zoological Gardens, 
not only because the presence of numerous South American animals reminded them forcibly of their own country, but the gigantic 
forms of those of the eastern hemisphere, doubtless inspired them with astonishment ; for animal nature, under the tropics of the western 
hemisphere, is comparatively on a small scale, when compared with that of Asia and Africa. Similar astonishment was produced by the 
locomotive engines, and the first time they were on a rail-road, and when at full speed another train ' passed with redoubled swiftness, the 
two younger broke out into exclamations, and only Sororeng kept true to his impervious stoicism. 
I did not urge them to apply themselves to their books and writing beyond their attendance during the regular hours, when they 
received instruction ; but so anxious were they to improve, that on entei'ing their room several times as late as ten o’clock at night, I 
have found the two younger occupied in writing, or cyphering. Their behaviour in the house where they resided was without reproach, 
and they became in a short time favourites with every one, although I must confess, that I had some difficulty in procuring respectable 
lodgings for them. With the name of Indians, savages and cannibalism are so closely connected, that it caused the greatest prejudice. They 
soon accustomed themselves to our food and manners of eating, and were clean in their dress, the Macusi and Warrau adopting a kind 
of dandyism, which I rather encouraged than reproved ; but it was remarkable, that these young men, whom twelve months ago I took 
from their native homes, in almost perfect nudity, and who ranged through their wild forests in the pride of savage life, had now, and 
after so short a sojourn among civilized nations, adopted customs, which were considered not only foreign, but likewise abhorrent to their 
natural mode of living. 
Their return approached ; family ties had been torn asunder when they parted from their native country, and I was anxious that the 
period, which I told them it was likely they would remain in Europe, should not be exceeded ; but before their departure, it was with the 
proudest feelings, that at a public meeting at Exeter Hall of that excellent and so little known Society, the British and Foreign Aborigines 
Protection Society, I could step forward, and introducing the Macusi to the assembly, show him as an example, that if civilization and 
religion be offered simultaneously, iii a rational manner, to these beings, that they are capable of progressive improvement and elevation into 
a civilized and well-ordered community. 
Great Britain has been invested with wealth and power, and there are many bright examples where these have been used to 
spread the knowledge of the true God and civilization amongst barbarous tribes. The moment appears now to have arrived when a 
similar boon will be bestowed upon the hitherto neglected natives of one of her most magnificent colonies. Already has Her Majesty’s 
Government resolved to secure to such as acknowledge British sovereignty, and live within her boundaries, the rights of human beings — 
personal liberty, and protection against foreign aggression and enslavement; and the friends of the poor Indians hail this as a certain 
proof that British influence and philanthropy will also promote among them the diffusion of Gospel truths, the improvement of moral 
habits, and the spread of civilization : and although the first chapel erected to the worship of the true God in the interior of Guiana, 
IS now abandoned in consequence of Brazilian aggression and intolerance, the time may be yet approaching, when its walls will again 
resound with hymns in praise of Him who is Almighty. 
THE END. 
WTITTF.HEAD AND CO. PRINTERS, 76, FLEET STREET, LONDON. 
