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

"`Clear-skins,' as unbranded cattle were commonly called, were taken charge of at once."

1893. `The Argus,' April 29, p.4, col. 4:

"As they fed slowly homeward bellowing for their calves, and lowing for their mates, the wondering clean-skins would come up in a compact body, tearing, ripping, kicking, and moaning, working round and round them in awkward, loblolly canter."

<hw>Clearing lease</hw>, <i>n</i>. Explained in quotation.

1846. J. L. Stokes, `Discoveries in Australia,' vol. i. c. x. p. 321:

"[They] held a small piece of land on what is called a clearing lease—that is to say, they were allowed to retain possession of it for so many years for the labour of clearing the land."

<hw>Clematis</hw>, <i>n</i>. the scientific and vernacular name of a genus of plants belonging to the <i>N.O. Ranunculaceae</i>. The common species in Australia is <i>C. aristata</i>, R. Br.

1834. Ross, `Van Diemen's Land Annual,' p. 124:

"The beautiful species of <i>clematis</i> called <i>aristata</i>, which may be seen in the months of November and December, spreading forth its milk-white blossoms over the shrubs . . . in other places rising up to the top of the highest gum-trees."

<hw>Clianthus</hw>, <i>n</i>. scientific name for an Australasian genus of plants, <i>N.O. Leguminosae</i>, containing only two species—in Australia, <i>Sturt's Desert Pea</i> (q.v.), <i>C. dampieri</i>; and in New Zealand, the <i>Kaka-bill</i> (q.v.), <i>C. puniceus</i>. Both species are also called <i>Glory-Pea</i>, from Grk. <i>kleos</i>, glory, and <i>anthos</i>, a flower.