It is quite certain that the natives die in quick succession in the districts inhabited by Europeans, and it appears not less certain that a great many of the deaths are attributable to their having lived among us. But it is not civilization that has caused their deaths; it is rather the vices of the Europeans which they have imbibed, and the ignorance and recklessness of results in the natives themselves. They are mere children in understanding, and if their present wants are gratified they care not for the future. As an instance:—There is a stringent law prohibiting the selling or giving intoxicating drinks to them, but they willingly yield to the assistance offered to them by unprincipled sailors and others to elude this law made for their benefit. The men become intoxicated, and misery and wretchedness are the consequences to a portion of their families, who die prematurely, but not before their vicious habits have injured many besides themselves. There are many individuals in all countries who neither regard the laws of God nor man, and these unfortunate people might have been of the number, even if they had been civilized, but the probability is, that there would not have been so many victims if they had been rescued as children, and been taught what was right and really civilized. To live such a life as they now lead in towns among Europeans is not being civilized. Not one of the Annesfield school children have ever shown the slightest wish to return to the bush; and from their parents and other relatives visiting them they have had opportunities enough to do so, if they had chosen to go. They duly appreciate civilization, and it has not injured the health of any of them, but, on the contrary, several that were ill when they came have improved in health. It can scarcely be said that the civilization of the aborigines has been attempted in Western Australia. Five or six schools have at different times been established; some of these by private societies or individuals, and the remainder by Government. But there has been no organized system adopted, such as is necessary to the carrying out any great work. How little can any single school do! In the Annesfield Government Institution it has been the aim to prove that the natives are capable of being made useful members of society, and, what is more, that they are capable of understanding and embracing the great truths of salvation; and the result is fully satisfactory. But this institution is limited to 24 children.