to be pierced by a spear is fixed for all common crimes, and a
native who has incurred this penalty sometimes quietly holds out his leg
for the injured party to thrust his spear through.

When a native, after having absconded for fear of the consequences of
some crime which he has committed, comes in to undergo the ordeal of
having spears thrown at him, a large assemblage of his fellows takes
place; their bodies are daubed with paint which is put on in the most
fantastic forms, their weapons are polished, sharpened, and rendered
thoroughly efficient; at the appointed time young and old repair to the
place of ordeal, and the wild beauty of the scenery, the painted forms of
the natives, the savage cries and shouts of exultation which are raised
as the culprit dexterously parries, or by rapid leaps and contortions of
his body avoids the clouds of spears which are hurled at him, all combine
to form a singular scene to which there is no parallel in civilized life.
If the criminal is wounded in a degree judged sufficient for the crime he
has committed his guilt is wiped away; or if none of the spears thrown at
him (for there is a regulated number which each may throw) take effect he
is equally pardoned.

But no sooner is this main part of the ceremony over than two or three
duels take place between some individuals who have quarrels of their own
to settle; after these combatants have thrown a few spears some of their
friends rush in and hold them in their arms, when the etiquette on such
occasions is to struggle violently for a few minutes, as if anxious to
renew the contest, and then to submit quietly to superior force and cease
the combat.

NATIVE APATHY UNDER COMMON WOUNDS. ANECDOTE.

The natives pay but little regard to the wounds they receive in duels or
which are inflicted on them as punishments; their sufferings from all
injuries are much less than those which Europeans would undergo in
similar circumstances; this may probably arise from their abstemious mode
of life, and from their never using any other beverage than water. A
striking instance of their apathy with regard to wounds was shown on one
occasion in a fight which took place in the village of Perth in Western
Australia. A native man received a wound in that portion of his frame
which is only presented to enemies when in the act of flight, and the
spear which was barbed remained sticking in the wound; a gentleman who
was standing by watching the fray regard