Letter received by Banks from Arthur Phillip, 2 July 1788 (Series 37.05) - No. 0004

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been able to remain with the Natives, has not been sufficient to give me any Idea of their Customs, or Religion.  Most of the Men want the Right front tooth in the upper Jaw, & most of the Women the two joints of the little finger on the left hand. This is general, tho' with some exceptions, for I have seen two Women who were with Child, & two or three Old Women, on whom the operation had not been performed. I have likewise seen several Children, whose fingers were perfect, & a Child of five years of Age on whom the operation appeared to have been performed some time.

They burn their Dead, & cover the ashes over without disturbing them, with Earth, ferns a few Stones & bark.  These people are far more numerous than I expected to find them & cannot be less than fifteen hundred in the Three Harbours, Broken bay (which is a very good one) this Harbour & Boty. Bay.