1. Although the aborigines of this colony are liable to the usual diseases of Europeans, I invariably found years back that they seldom had the common diseases, as rheumatism, &c., &c., to the extent Europeans have. Yet I may state, that eight-tenths of the mortality amongst the aborigines of Victoria arises through intemperance, bringing on pulmonary disorders, pleurisy, pneumonia, disorders of the chest, consumption, &c., which carries them off so speedily that the ablest medical treatment, when available, seldom saves them. I may safely state that when their respiratory organs are once affected recovery becomes hopeless. I have witnessed this so invariably within the last 10 years, as to look forward for death as soon as they are afflicted in the chest. 2. The aborigines, however, were not so affected in their respiratory organs years back as at present; they have only been carried off so precipitately since they have become slaves to intoxicating liquors. I have known blacks, years back, to labour under diseases of the lungs for nine or more months, but now seldom so many weeks, and often not so many days. 3. There is a peculiarity even in their pulmonary disorders to the European; there is not that straining distressing coughing which Europeans labour under; the phlegm comes free without much exertion and pain to the invalid, but accompanied with blood. 4. Wounds of whatever kind which do not affect a vital part are more readily cured than in white people. I have seen most desperate wounds inflicted by their weapons, that would have kept Europeans for months invalids, healed in an incredibly short time, and to the astonishment of medical men. Wounds, whether by accident or otherwise, are immediately attended to by their doctors; if in the fleshy part of the body, they suck the blood from the wound, and continue sucking it till blood ceases to be extracted. If little blood comes from {57} the wound they know all is not right, and will put the patient to pain by probing the wound with their lancet (a sharp bone), or place the body or limb in that position as to compress the opposite part to force blood. They know well the consequences of stagnant blood or matter, especially in the upper parts of the body. When the wound is thoroughly cleansed they leave the rest to nature, clap a lump of pidgerong (a kind of wax oozing from trees) on the wound; should there follow a gathering, they open the wound afresh, and see all right, and again cover it over with the pidgerong or gum.