BY .T. JENNINGS. 795 



The second weapon (fig. 2) is similar in construction to that aboA e 

 described, but is somewhat longer, being 32 inches from end to end 

 and weighing 4^oz. Rather more than 2 inches from the distal end 

 a sloping groove, as in the previously described implement, has been 

 cut for a distance of 151 inches, not as in the first instance in a 

 plane with a carved rest, but inclining to a considerable degree 

 towards the right, thus indicating the side on which the spear 

 was held. The carved wooden projection against which the spear 

 was rested is 7 inches long, inclines at the same angle and in the 

 same direction as the former, and is attached to the bamboo shaft 

 at both ends by means of woven bands of split bamboo, midway 

 lietween which is a third and lighter band. This highly interest- 

 ing feature differs very much in character from fig. 1, being much 

 flatter, carved in lower relief, and is more conventional in design. 



An elongated human (?) head on the upper end is directed frum 

 a proximal in a distal direction by a curved and pierced band 

 connected with tlie body of the implement; this surrounds two 

 intersecting pierced ovals which are proximally attached to an 

 irregular elongated triangular body of which the upper or dorsal 

 edge is unevenly serrated and pierced, the whole forming an 

 acute angle with the main body of the instrument; the flattened 

 •sides are decorated in a design formed by successive curAed bands, 

 chevrons and dots carved in low relief. A handle convenient for 

 grasping is afforded by a finely plaited l)ambo() knob or bulb 

 Avhich is fastened in its place by a strong wooden peg. The distal 

 termination is in its main character like that of fig. 1, l>ut for a 

 distance of 2 inches is carA ed in a series of bands, chevrons and 

 dots harmonising in design with the flattened ^ sides of the spear 

 rest. 



8ome ethnologists have traced a connection between the Aus- 

 tralian Aborigines and the Dravidiaiis of India. It has been 

 suggested to me by my friend Mr. C. Hedley, F.L.S., that the 

 isolated occurrence of a womerah on the north coast of New 

 Guinea may indicate a vestige of the emigrants on the line of 

 march, for it is even possible that while the identity of a race 



