Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

"Here's a real good wholesome cabbage—warrigal cabbage the shepherds call it."

<hw>Warrina</hw>, <i>n</i>. See <i>Warrener</i>.

<hw>Washdirt</hw>, <i>n</i>. any alluvial deposit from which gold is obtained by washing; or "the auriferous gravel, sand, clay, or cement, in which the greatest proportion of gold is found." (Brough Smyth's `Glossary,' 1869.) Often called <i>dirt</i> (q.v.).

1896. `Melbourne Argus,' April 30, p. 7, col. 6:

"In colour the washdirt is of a browner and more iron-stained appearance than the white free wash met across the creek."

<hw>Waterbush</hw>, <i>n</i>. an Australian tree, i.q. <i>Native Daphne</i>. See <i>Daphne</i>.

<hw>Watergrass</hw>, <i>n</i>. a Tasmanian name for <i>Manna grass</i>, <i>Poa fluitans</i>, Scop., <i>N.O. Gramineae</i>.

<hw>Water-Gum</hw>, <i>n</i>. See <i>Gum</i>.

<hw>Water-hole</hw>, <i>n</i>. The word <i>pond</i> is seldom used in Australia. Any pond, natural or artificial, is called a <i>Water-hole</i>. The word also denotes a depression or cavity in the bed of an intermittent river, which remains full during the summer when the river itself is dry.

1833. C. Sturt, `Southern Australia,' vol. i. c. ii. p. 80: