er the settled districts of the
colony. They were permitted to pass through them, when on their passage
to the shore, provided their chiefs guaranteed their quietness, and
possessed a pass under the hand and seal of the Governor. A line, drawn
from Piper's River to St. Patrick's Head, separated the regions allotted
to them on that side; another, included Tasman's Peninsula; a third,
southward of Mount Wellington to the ocean; and the fourth, from the
Huon, by Western Bluff, south-west to the sea. Thus the proclamation cut
out the centre of the island: a square at the north-west,
belonged to the Van Diemen's Land Company, and others; southward, from
Ben Lomond, including most of the rivers, plains, and lagoons. Into
these, they were forbidden to intrude. There remained, the forests
of the south-west; the western coasts, where the skies for ever weep;
and the barren shores of the north-east. To drive them on these regions
was the duty of the forces, and their employment for years. The natives
returned regularly with the season, like birds of passage--avenging
the losses of their last retreat: they retired at the usual
time--diminished, but unsubdued.

In looking at these orders and proclamations, it is impossible to regard
them in any other light than as plans of military operation. That the
natives would surrender to a warrant or a challenge; that they would
remain in remote regions, from which they had always been accustomed to
come forth; that their chiefs had power to enforce the mandates of the
Governor, or that they would preserve an official document, they could
neither read nor understand--these were contingencies which, though
desirable, were certainly not probable. The precise and legal language
of the instruments, provoked much ridicule, and might justify a smile.
They were chiefly dictated by a gentleman, whose mental aberration led
to his removal from office. It is, however, difficult to suggest more
explicit forms, and the announcement of the plans of government was a
proper preliminary to their execution.

It was the desire of the Governor, earnestly expressed, to protect the
settlers, and yet to mitigate their resentment. The use of arms was
forbidden, while other means were untried, and rewards were offered to
any person who might venture into communication with the natives, to
explain the objects of the government. They were invited to seek redress
of their grievances; and pictures were suspended in t