prison, or to restore them to the main land: an event, which would have
ensured their immediate destruction. Maria Island, recommended both by
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Bedford, was desirable, as contiguous; but nothing
could prevent an escape to the colony. Kent's Group, on the coast of New
Holland, was next proposed; but the passage is difficult, and between
the islands, said the sailor witness, "the sea pours like a sluice, and
the winds drive through like a funnel." Then came King's Island,
situated 140 miles north of Van Diemen's Land; but it was said to be
infested with badgers and bandicoots, and that the natives would retire
into the woods, and be no more found. Such was the extent of official
knowledge, in reference to these dependencies, that to select a spot it
was necessary to appoint a special survey; but although the natives were
fast dying, the vessel destined to this service was first sent for a
cargo of timber!

Captain Jackson having visited the Straits, recommended Flinders',
sometimes called Great Island. The aborigines who joined in this visit,
were delighted with the country: they returned to their companions with
the spoils of hunting, and celebrated their good fortune in songs. A
soldier, who accompanied the party, wholly differed from this report: he
said the climate was bleak, the soil sterile, and destitute of springs;
and his objections, though attributed to malice, have been confirmed by
experience. After much deliberation, Flinders' Island was preferred.

The Chief Justice, Sir John Pedder, opposed the removal altogether: too
truly he judged, it would be followed by rapid extinction. In denying to
the aboriginal remnant an asylum within the country of their
forefathers, we inflicted the last penalty which can fall on a race,
whose lives the victors condescend to spare. It was too late, however,
to repent; and pioneers were forwarded to the place of exile. The usual
fatality attended the first choice of a township, but in 1832 Mr.
Backhouse, at Colonel Arthur's request, proceeded to Flinders', where
the station was finally chosen; it was called, _Wybalenna_,--the "Black
Man's Village." The natives were under disguised military control, but
were exceedingly docile and submissive. Cottages were erected for their
use. The women found some amusement in sweeping their houses, and
depositing or replacing the articles of their furniture--their beds,
bedsteads, tables, and stools: they washed the garment