12 



MEMOIRS OF THE QTEEXSLAXD MCSEni. 



TUNE SUNG IN AN ABORIGINAL CAMP AT ST. LAWRENCE ABOUT THE YEAR 1870. 



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This is sung mostly on moonlight nights, accompanying a sort of " walk- 

 round " dance. These blacks were from the Downs country about the Isaacs and 

 Lotus Creeks. Number of performers varies from ten to twenty. The singing is in 

 unison ; some natives beating small waddies together ; time, that of a smart " quick 

 march." Step is similar to a " galojDade." The same foot is kept in front. Final 

 drop to lower key-note is as much of a grunt as a note, but at the same time clear 

 and distinct, and accompanied by a vigorous stamp of the foot. 



An eclipse of the moon occurred during one of these performances. Directly 

 the shadow was observed both song and dance stopped suddenly, and a cry went 

 up similar to the wailing for the dead, and continued until the eclipse was over. 



(Horace Burkitt, CoriinUi, 31 Dee. 97, D. 9;j42 ) 



