But Now They Had Reverted To
Their First Opinion; So Fickle And Transient Are Their Motives Of Love
And Hatred.
[*Their general favourite term of reproach is 'goninpatta', which signifies
'an eater of human excrement'.
Our language would admit a very concise
and familiar translation. They have, besides this, innumerable others
which they often salute their enemies with.]
Wednesday, April 13th, 1791. We did not set out this morning until past
seven o'clock, when we continued to trace the creek. The country which we
passed through yesterday was good and desirable to what was now presented
to us. It was in general high and universally rocky. 'Toiling our uncouth
way', we mounted a hill, and surveyed the contiguous country.
To the northward and eastward, the ground was still higher than that
we were upon; but in a south-west direction we saw about four miles.
The view consisted of nothing but trees growing on precipices; not an acre
of it could be cultivated. Saw a tree on fire here, and several other
vestiges of the natives. To comprehend the reasons which induce an Indian
to perform many of the offices of life is difficult; to pronounce that which
could lead him to wander amidst these dreary wilds baffles penetration.
About two o'clock we reached the head of the creek, passed it and scrambled
with infinite toil and difficulty to the top of a neighbouring mountain,
whence we saw the adjacent country in almost every direction, for many miles.
I record with regret that this extended view presented not a single gleam
of change which could encourage hope or stimulate industry, to attempt
its culture.
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