When both
tribes mingled in the dance, the ground trembled with the heaviness
of their steps, and the air resounded with their wild cries. Every
one appeared in high spirits, and the group of nearly naked
figures, viewed by the light of the blazing fires, all moving in
hideous harmony, formed a perfect display of a festival amongst the
lowest barbarians. In Tierra del Fuego we have beheld many curious
scenes in savage life, but never, I think, one where the natives
were in such high spirits, and so perfectly at their ease. After
the dancing was over the whole party formed a great circle on the
ground, and the boiled rice and sugar was distributed, to the
delight of all.
After several tedious delays from clouded weather, on the 14th of
March we gladly stood out of King George's Sound on our course to
Keeling Island. Farewell, Australia! you are a rising child, and
doubtless some day will reign a great princess in the South; but
you are too great and ambitious for affection, yet not great enough
for respect. I leave your shores without sorrow or regret.
(PLATE 91. AUSTRALIAN GROUP OF WEAPONS AND THROWING STICKS.)
CHAPTER XX.
(PLATE 92. INSIDE AN ATOLL, KEELING ISLAND.
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