There the old People that are not able to stir abroad by reason of their Age, and the tender Infants, wait their return; and what Providence has bestowed on them, they presently broil on the Coals, and eat it in common. Sometimes they get as many Fish as makes them a plentiful Banquet; and at other times they scarce get every one a taste: But be it little or much that they get, every one has his part, as well the young and tender, the old and feeble, who are not able to go abroad, as the strong and lusty.
When they have eaten they lie down till the next Low-water, and then all that are able march out, be it Night or Day, rain or shine, ’tis all one; they must attend the Wares, or else they must fast: For the Earth affords them no Food at all. There is neither Herb, Root, Pulse nor any sort of Grain for them to eat, that we saw; nor any sort of Bird or Beast that they can catch, having no Instruments wherewithal* to do so.*
original spelling
* With which.
* Dampier noted that the aborigines had weapons of a kind, with which they threatened their European visitors. “The Sword is a piece of Wood shaped somewhat like a Cutlass” he wrote, prompting several commentators to wonder if it was in fact a boomerang. “The Lance is a long strait Pole sharp at one end, and hardened afterwards by heat”. Evidently, he did not think these were used for hunting, nor did he see any results of a hunt. He also recorded that he saw no signs of iron.