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41 future state, for they certainly entertain the idea that, after death, they again exist, being transformed into white men. This is obviously a new idea, since they have been acquainted with us, and is an evidence that the friendly intercourse we have established with them, will by degrees operate upon their minds, and gradually work an amelioration of their condition. Of this being ultimately affected I entertain very sanguine expectations, and I think I am warranted in doing so, by the result of the experiments I made to induce them to habits of industry whilst residing amongst them. The men on several occasions rendered assistance in carrying sod for the erection of our huts, and many of the women were almost constantly employed in making baskets, during the last week or ten days previous to my departure. In re-payment for these and other services, bread was given them on the completion of their tasks, with which they were well satisfied, and I have little doubt if proper arrangements were made, and attention paid, that great progress might be made in a short time towards establishing more civilized habits. Their whole time may be said to be devoted to procuring food during the day. All their thoughts seem to be directed towards ministering to their appetites. The women are the drudges of their husbands, and are seldom idle during the day, being for the most part employed either in getting the various edible roots with which the country abounds, or in making baskets and nets, and any other occupations directed by their husbands. Their habitations are of the most rude and simple construction, the materials of which they are made being the branches of trees laid with tolerable compactness, and pitched at an angle of about 45 degrees. In shape they form a segment of a circle, and their size is in proportion to the number of inmates of which the family is composed.” THE FIRST OVERLANDER AND THE BLACKS. Mr. John Gardiner came overland from Sydney at the latter end of 1835. In giving us the narrative of that cattle driving trip, he said that only upon one occasion did he fall in with any natives, and
