On to England

THE WESTERN DAILY PRESS Saturday March 17, 1866

A petrified Australian male aborigine has just been bought to this country, and will be shortly submitted to the auctioneer's hammer by Mr Stevens, Covent Garden. This singular specimen of petrification was, it is said, found in one of the stone caverns which abound in Musquito Plains, South Australia. It was lying in a natural position, as if having fallen asleep; and a Mr Craig, was in the colony at the time in search of curiosities, got possession of the "black fellow," for the purpose of adding him to his collection. Travelling with his singular burden wrapped in a blanket for nearly one hundred miles, he reached Mount Gambia, where his movements attracted suspicion, and the Crown Lands Ranger, ascertained that his bargain was a human being, sought the advice of a higher power, and relieved him of his prize.  An action of trover was immediately commenced and Mr Craig succeeded in obtaining a verdict, with damages one farthing. The government however refused to give up the "stone or other material"which was again placed in the cave. Mr Craig, however, again went to work and, despite the heavy iron bars with which it was guarded, and the hardship he endured, managed to regain it, and bought it safely to England.

READING MERCURY Saturday 21st April 1866

SALE OF A PETRIFIED AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINE, - Mr. J.C Stevens recently submitted to public  competition, in London, one of the aborigines of Australia in a petrified or mummy state. This remarkable specimen of a native Australian was found in a limestone cave on Mosquito Plains, South Australia. It is the only specimen of its kind known in the scientific world. It is believed to be of great antiquity and is almost perfect in every detail. The biddings commenced at 10 guineas and the lot eventually realised 18gs.