NOTES, &c.
“Artful, deep manœuvring.”—The natives have various methods to capture their prey, all indicitive of true huntsmen’s craft. Sneaking the emu, a wary bird, is an instance where, With a screen of boughs before him, the native gradually creeps within spear-range, and soon gains his prize.
“Ancient Curses.”—Such curses are used when hunting. The different kinds of game have different curses.
“Abandoned all.”—When a native throws away his spears, it is a sign of the greatest fear and distress.
“Boston Bay.”—The harbour of Port Lincoln. It is protected by Boston Island.
“Bultawilta.”—A man’s name.
“Burka.”—An aged man, the last stage through which men pass, and with whom the knowledge of all charms, ceremonies, &c., is deposited.
“Bodies greased.”—A luxury highly appreciated by the natives. Captain Sturt and Sir T. Mitchell bear testimony, that to a naked savage, in a hot climate, it is, and must be, a great luxury. It supples the skin, and prevents it chapping. The fat of all game is used for this purpose.
“Boys in front.”—Descriptive of the order in which, on all public occasions, the natives arrange themselves; the children are invariably placed in front.