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for several years; iiotliing seems fully to have impressed
them with the idea of our overwhelming power, until the
whole island, in 1830, was put under martial law, and by
proclamation the whole population desired to assist in one
great attempt to secure the entire race. The plan adopted
was nearly similar to that of the great hunting-matches in
India: a line reaching across the island was formed, with
the intention of driving the natives into a cul-de-sac on
Tasman’s peninsula. The attempt failed; the natives, having
tied up their dogs, stole during one night through the lines.
This is far from surprising, when their practised senses, and
accustomed manner of crawling after wild animals is considered.
I have been assured that they can conceal themselves
on almost bare ground, in a manner which until witnessed
is scarcely credible. The country is every where scattered
over with blackened stumps, and the dusky natives are easily
mistaken for these objects. I have heard of a trial between
a party of Englishmen and a native who stood in full view on
the side of a bare hill. If the Englishmen closed their eyes
for scarcely more than a second, he would squat down, and
then they were never able to distinguish the man from the
surrounding stumps. But to return to the hunting-match ;
the natives understanding this kind of warfare, were terribly
alarmed, for they at once perceived the power and numbers
of the whites. Shortly afterwards a party of thirteen belonging
to two tribes came in ; and, conscious of their unprotected
condition, delivered themselves up in despair. Subsequently
by the intrepid exertions of Mr. Robinson, an
activ-e and benevolent man, who fearlessly visited hy himself
the most hostile of the natives, the whole were induced to
act in a similar manner. They were then removed to Gun
Carriage Island, where food and clothes were provided them.
I fear from what I heard at Hobart Town, that they are very
far from being contented : some even think the race will soon
become extinct.
The Beagle staid here ten days, and in this time I made
several pleasant little excursions, chiefly with the object of
examining the geological structure of the immediate neighbourhood.
Tlie main points of interest consist, first in the
presence of certain basaltic rocks which evidently liave flowed
as lava; secondly, in some great unstratified masses of greenstone
; thirdly, in proofs of an exceedingly small rise of the
land ; fourthly, in some ancient fossiliferous strata, probably
of the age of the Silurian system of Europe ; and lastly, in a
a solitary and superficial patch of yellowish limestone or
travertin, which contains numerous impressions of leaves of
trees and plants, not now existing. It is not improbable that
this one small quarry, includes the only remaining record of
the vegetation of Van Diemen’s Land during one former epoch.
Mr. Frankland, the surveyor-general, was kind enough to
give me much interesting information, and to take me several
pleasant rides. The climate here is damper than in New
South Wales, and hence the land is more fertile. Agriculture
flourishes here : the cultivated fields looked well, and
the gardens abounded with thriving vegetables and fruit-trees.
Some of the farm-houses, situated in retired spots, had a very
tempting appearance. The general aspect of the vegetation
is similar to that of Australia: perhaps it is a little more green
and cheerful; and the pasture between the trees rather more
abundant. One day I took a long walk on the side of the
bay opposite to the town: I crossed in a steam-boat, two of
which are constantly plying backwards and forwards. The
machinery of one of these vessels was entirely manufactured
in this colony, which, from its very foundation then numbered
only three-and-tlurty years! If I was obliged to
emigrate, I think I would choose this place in preference to
Sydney: the climate and aspect of the country alone would
almost determine me. Moreover, I suspect society is here
on a pleasanter footing; certainly it is free from the contamination
of rich convicts, and the dissensions consequent on
the existence of two classes of wealthy residents. The colony
appeared extremely well governed; the streets at night being
kept even more orderly than those of an English town.
On another day I ascended Mount Wellington; I took