What the ancient poets tell us of Fauns and Satyrs living in hollow trees is realized at Van Dieman's Land.

Some wretched constructions of sticks, covered with bark, and which did not deserve the name of huts, were indeed found near the shore; but these seemed only to have been erected for temporary purposes.

The most comfortable habitations of the natives were afforded by the largest trees.

These had their trunks hollowed out by fire, to the height of six or seven feet; and there was room enough in them for three or four persons to sit round a hearth, made of clay.

At the same time, these places of shelter are durable; for the people take care to leave one side of the tree sound, which is sufficient to keep it in luxuriant growth.