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PREFACE. The object of the present work is rather to present the Blacks as they were than as they are. For this purpose, documents of an ancient colonial date have been consulted, and the experience of the first settlers has been related. The Author has to express his deep sense of obligation to the kindness and public spirit of Mr. John Helder Wedge of Tasmania, Mr. McMilian of Gipps Land, Dr. Thomson of Geelong, and other esteemed fellow colonists, for their valuable information. The floating tales of the early days, unless now collected, will soon be forgotten, or lapse into fabled traditions. The Author has been the fortunate means of preserving some interesting reminis cences of the primitive days of Port Phillip, and the savage state of the Aborigines. Having been equally successful in obtaining reliable accounts of the poor Tasmanians, he hopes to lay their sad story before the Australian Public. It is fitting that our youth be acquainted with the annals of their own homes, and that their sympathies be excited for the race that dwelt in the land before them. JAMES BONWICK. October 13th, 1856.
