The Australian aboriginal

by Herbert Basedow

Crocodiles (C. porosus et Johnstoni) and dugongs (Halicore Australis) are located below the surface of water by watching for bubbles of air, which might rise, or for any little swirls and disturbances in the water due to the movements of the creatures below. In the case of the dugong, also known as the sea-cow, its presence might be betrayed by small nibbled pieces of sea-weed, which come to the surface when it is feeding. Both crocodile and dugong are speared or harpooned from the bow of a raft or canoe. A native often ventures into a water-lily pool or billabong, known to contain crocodile, prodding the mud with his spear, as he advances, to feel for the horny skin of the hidden prey. When one has been located, a large hunting party wade in a line through the water splashing it vigorously and shouting loudly to drive the terrified crocodile from the pool. Once it appears on dry ground, it is chased and pelted with heavy spears. Natives do not appear to be the least concerned about their safety when they wade into water containing crocodiles; in fact, there are few cases known of natives having been attacked by the reptiles, although occasionally one finds an individual partially incapacitated or scarred in consequence of an encounter with a crocodile. The scaly monsters seem loth to attack a coloured man, but for a white man to take the risk a native does would mean courting certain death.

Young crocodiles are caught by hand from the bow of a canoe whilst cautiously drifting upon them as they are floating upon or near the surface of the water. The natives explain that the teeth of the young reptiles have not hardened sufficiently to do any harm.

Along the north coast, and on the adjacent islands, a regular watch is kept for the dugong. This peculiar marine mammal lives in the deep sea, but comes near to the shore to feed. It might often be observed, especially at high tide, in small, calm bays and inlets, frolicking at the surface. Full-grown animals attain a length of twelve feet or more, and weigh up to 1,500 pounds; they are entirely vegetarian, browsing for the most part on salt-water algae. At intervals it is necessary for the animal to rise to the surface to breathe. The drawing in of the air can be heard a great distance off, and is generally, though erroneously, referred to as the “blowing.” The man on the look-out watches for the dugong to show itself upon the surface, and his keen eye can usually detect it, even upon a slightly rippled water, at some considerable distance out. The most favourable times are at dusk and on moonlight nights.

When the signal has been given that a dugong is in sight, the hunters set out in a canoe and cautiously paddle towards the place at which it was last seen. It may be that long before the crew reach the particular spot indicated the animal has moved away, but the trained eye of the observer, who now stands at the bow of the canoe, is able to follow the movements of the dugong, even though it be some depth below the surface. At night the prey is observed on the reflected beam of the moon. When the game comes up again to take breath, it may be the canoe is still too far off for action, but the strictest caution is observed not in any way to cause a disturbance. All men in the boat remain rigid, and the paddles are held stationary; the man at the bow, holding his harpoon, poised in readiness above his head, stands like a statue. The moment the dugong goes below again, he indicates to the oarsmen with his hand how to steer. Thus the unsuspecting game is followed around from station to station until it comes to the surface within throwing distance. When this occurs, and it may be before the animal actually reaches the surface, the man in front sends the harpoon forward like lightning, with almost infallible precision, to penetrate the body of the rising dugong and firmly embed itself in it. The terrified animal plunges forward with a tremendous splash, tearing the line attached to the harpoon along with it to its full length. The canoe is pulled along with some velocity through the water, but the wounded animal soon weakens through loss of blood and the want of air. It is compelled to rise to the surface to fill its lungs, but no sooner does it come near than another missile flies from the hand of the hunter to also stick in the back of the exasperated animal. Again it shoots away, with a renewed effort to escape from the cruel harpoon, but in vain. Before long the want of air again necessitates a return to the surface, only to be met with a similar treatment as before. By this time the unfortunate dugong is so much weakened that it cannot travel far without coming to the surface frequently; and every time it does another spear is planted into its body. Before long it caves in; a final swish with its powerful tail, a quiver throughout the body, and its helpless carcase is in the hands of the elated hunters. The victorious shouting or singing of the men in the canoe is echoed by those watching the hunt on shore, the latter, moreover, in their excitement usually starting a wild sort of dance on the sand. A noose is placed round the dugong’s tail, by which it is towed towards the land. If any resistance is proffered, the rope is gathered in, and the creature drowned by keeping its head under water, or one of the hunters suffocates it by thrusting two of his fingers into its nostrils. This accomplished, the jaws are tied together to prevent the carcase from water-logging and sinking.

Often the hunters submerge their canoe, and, by swimming alongside, pull it under the floating carcase. The water is then bailed out of the craft and in this way the dugong is lifted. The hunters then row their prize ashore and drag it on to the beach, where it is quartered and cooked. Practically the whole of it is eaten.

The rich flesh of the dugong is relished by all northern coastal tribes from the east of Queensland to the west of Western Australia as far south as the 24th degree of latitude.

The hunters recognize an “old man” dugong by its tusks; and they assert that often a female is seen carrying its young upon a fin, suckling it. According to aboriginal information, a young dugong might also be observed riding on the back of its mother. A pregnant dugong is considered to make the richest dish of all.

Occasionally a dugong or a big fish, like a whale, is stranded during a gale, and this is indeed a red-letter day for the fortunate tribe upon whose territory the find was made.

Birds of every description are hunted with stone, stick, or spear. It is astounding how adroitly an aboriginal can project the light reed spears; to fell a dove at a distance of from forty to fifty paces is child’s play for an experienced thrower.