FL661405

rather treacherous not only to stranger but
even amongst themselves. [in margin: They are no less revengeful, but revenge for an injury received is often, as I shall show afterwards a matter of [indecipherable]] they are, however, generally
trustworthy, if you send them on an errand, and
dishonesty is not so common amongst them, nor
towards strangers as many people are apt to suppose.
I had several about our house whose honesty
we could fully rely on. If they rob Europeans
of provisions or steal their cattle when the latter
first settle amongst them, it must not alto-
-gether be ascribed to evil propensities. They
naturally look on the White man as an intruder
and can see no harm in molesting & annoying
him, or even in killing him. And in this
they only imitate the example of more civilized
nations. It would be more surprising if they did not
act thus. Similar acts we may read of in
the history of various nations as proofs of patriotism
& valor. And the more civilized Chinese and
the Indian Sepoy at the present day acts much from
the same impulses as the Aborigines of this country.
[in margin: I cannot give them much praise for gratitude though instances of grateful attachment are sometimes found. There is something very reserved in their demeanor, rather dignified & betraying an independent spirit which may be owing to their form of Government. [indecipherable} ignorant is easily accounted for]
That they are very indolent & without any forthought as
I have already intimated, hence they rarely provide
for any future want, seldom they save any food for
the next day, and if requiring for shelter against rain a few [indecipherable]
if back, they often only commence cutting the same
after the rain has commenced. To this indolence [indecipherable]
carlessness may be ascribed also the fact that they
have but little idea of any sort of art or handicraft