The Aborigines of Tasmania (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: ...and that only two years before he had visited the same black at his mountain hut. Therefore it could not be a Tasmanian black. Bonwick also says: (p. 71) "A lock of hair was not an unknown present among Tasmanian maidens to some heart chosen one of the foreign sex." He gives no authority for the statement. Lloyd (p. 45) says females were betrothed from childhood, nevertheless there must have been occasionally some romance, judging by a love affair reported by Walker (p. 1o3). It runs as follows: Pannehrooneh had long felt an affection for Pellonnymyna, but no persuasions of his could induce her to become his wife. One day they were crossing a river along with many more of their countrymen, when Pellonnymyna was suddenly seized with an attack of illness, and became unable to support herself. The faithful lover was at her side. Seizing her in his arms, he bore her to a place of safety, and during her indisposition, which was tedious, he nursed her with the greatest attention, and most affectionate assiduity. She at length recovered, when, overcome with gratitude, she declared that none but Pannehrooneh should be her husband; and from that time they have become united by the most inviolable attachment." Social And Marital Relations. No, rrmrriag" reremony ipins tHr'yh?fTr-4pf;crihfid or even witnessed--Vby any European. "3 was rare, Y_thp rusfoni amongst..them_ to select wives from their own tribes, but rather tn takfjFTini fui ttvefv.--or--Eyopen Jorce, from neighbouring clans: ttfev_ were monogamous, init the practice of.divorce was_ recognized, and acted--aperr; oh 'Incompatibility of disposition and Habit's, aswell as on" grosser cause given. Tasmanian lords had no difficulty, and made no scruple, about a succession of wives, an...