AustLit

This article discusses early colonists' recognition of the 'marvellous eyesight of the aborigine,' and traditional methods for training boys as trackers, using smell as well as sight. Meston states that white men cannot equal Aborigines as trackers or in knowledge of the animals, birds and plants of the bush. He supports his view by narrating three marvellous tracking feats, but regrets that the eyesight of Aborigines deteriorates when they drink tea, beer, or liquor, or use opium or eat European food. (CT)