Daily Life and Origin of the Tasmanians

PREFACE.

IN presenting the companion volume of "The Last of the Tasmanians," the Author expresses his satisfaction at the reception of his first work, and his hope that the second may meet with similar favour.

In the publication of material accumulated through a course of many years, his motive has been neither the desire of gain nor the hope of praise. He sought to do honour and service to the Colonies he admires, and to interest Englishmen in the lands where their brethren dwell.

Conscious of the imperfections of his undertaking, it has been his honest effort to bring together the most reliable information about the Lost Race of Tasmania, that men of science in future days may have some record of the tribes now gone from the earth. The subject of aboriginal peoples has but recently engaged the thoughts of students, and its valuable aid is hardly yet recognised by the historian.

At the suggestion of a leading English geologist, the sketch of Tasmanian geology has been added. It was thought that the

scientific reader of the "Origin of the Tasmanians" might
like a further acquaintance with their rocky home.

The labours of Dr. Milligan and Mr. Logan will be appre-
ciated, and the contribution of Dr. Topinhard acknowledged
with pleasure.

Favoured by the approval of the public, other stories of
Old Colonial Days may appear, especially those relating to
the progress of Religion and Freedom.

JAMES BONWICK.

ACTON, LONDON, January 9, 1870.