It is universally admitted that they are fast decreasing in number, and the cause of this decrease is attributed by most witnesses to their partial assumption of semi-civilized habits; where formerly they clothed themselves with the skins of animals taken in the chase, contact with Europeans has so changed their habits that they now, in a great measure, depend upon the scanty dole of blankets issued by the Government, which supplies, it appears from evidence, have been most irregular. Great suffering has been occasioned, especially among the aged and infirm natives, by the insufficient and ill-timed supplies, both of blankets and provisions. Disease appears to be induced by this partial and irregular clothing; pulmonary complaints prevailed to a fearful extent during last winter, aggravated by, if not entirely attributable to, this cause. This decrease in their numbers is attributable to many causes:― 1st. From infanticide, to a limited extent. 2nd. From certain rites performed upon young men of some tribes, impairing their physical powers. 3rd. From the introduction among them by Europeans of a more aggravated form of syphilis than was known to exist previous to our occupation of the country. {63} 4th. From the introduction and use of intoxicating liquors, a habit of using which to excess is prevalent among the natives, who, despite of existing laws to the contrary, are frequently aided by Europeans in obtaining supplies. 5th. From the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes. This is proved by evidence to be carried to such an extent, not only between themselves, but also with Europeans, as, in a great measure, of itself to account for the infecundity of the race. 6th. From the disproportion of sexes. GEO. HALL, Chairman. WESTERN AUSTRALIA. The question raised by Miss Nightingale, “Can we civilize the aborigines without killing them?” naturally arises from the fact that wherever Europeans have taken possession of the country of savage races, the latter have gradually disappeared before the face of the “white man.” This state of things, I believe, may be traced to the three following causes:― 1st. The acquirement by the aborigines of the love for intoxicating liquors. 2nd. The immorality of the women with the “white man,” preventing their bearing children. 3rd. The introduction of diseases more fatal to them than to the Europeans, arising from their exposed lives, and general objection to submit themselves to proper medical treatment. It will thus be easily seen that the aborigines do not, in reality, gradually disappear before the advantages of civilization, but rather fall victims to the vices and diseases introduced by the advent of unprincipled Europeans among them. JOHN FERGUSON, Colonial Surgeon. Perth, Nov. 17, 1860.