Page:Journals of Several Expeditions Made in Western Australia.djvu/24

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INTRODUCTION.
xvii

Well and satisfactorily performed;[1] but it may be observed, generally, that since the publication of the work here alluded to, new districts have been explored,—additional depots and settlements formed,—the number of settlers augmented, and the hardships and terrors of early emigration to a newly-discovered land removed or mitigated.

Apprehension of violence from the natives was one of the grievances of the "Terrorists," but this phantom has been dissipated, as will appear from the simple story of individual settlers having passed whole nights under the shelter of the native's wig-wam, unarmed, and unaccompanied by any of their own countrymen. The conduct of the natives has, from the commencement, evinced a desire to cultivate friendly relations with the whites. At Albany, they have actually submitted to the imposition of some few articles of dress, whereby their presence has been rendered less uncomfortable to members of a civilized community.

Recent investigation has also added largely to the number and value of the natural productions of Western Australia, from which there are reasonable grounds for hoping that the commerce of the

  1. In a Pamphlet entitled "Hints on Emigration," &c. London. J. Cross, 1836.