MESSAGES AND '-MESSAGE STICKS."— TJ AM LYN-BARIUS. 



27 



at in-egular intervals. Although the uatives who used this stick have been under 

 the influence of civilisation, it is nevertheless a concrete instance of a definite 

 message. 



fta^i S i 



i=i I- J. ) 



J. 



m ) 1 1 * 



Text-figure 17. 



A message stick, as seen on the two marked surfaces, from the Cajie York Peninsula. 

 (No. Q.E. 14/532; 24'.' mm. x 19 mm.) 



It is not an easy matter to determine the kind of wood from which this 

 stick has been made. It is not at all unlikely that it may be a piece of Hibiscus 

 bradiijsiphonius. which is recorded by Hey as being used in the Gulf districts 

 for this purpose. Being, however, desirous of procuring an expert opinion, 

 I consulted Mr. C. T. White, tlie Colonial Botanist, who says — "It seems like 

 one of the Euphorbiaeeaj or Urticacea?. The medullary rays are pronounced, 

 close together, and sub-equidistant, and under a lens the pores are prominent 

 and distinct; the soft pith occupying the centre is a marked feature. No distinct 

 rings of growth could be observed. Though a light wood in cross section it 

 shows little or no soft tissue." 



The stick has a number of " square cuts" and a few " back" cuts which 

 are distinct and are evidently intended to convey a meaning of their own. The 

 two surfaces between the rows of marks are ochred in red. Message unknown. 



Text-figure 18. 



A "Cypress" pine message stick from He''bert River. 

 (No. 390 (S426) ; 129 mm. x 1(5 mm.; donor, .J. Gaggiu.) 



This round stick is covered with zigzag lines (in groups) irregularly 

 placed. Message unknown. 



