BY R. H. MATHEWS. 37 



Markka TrKes.]] — The drawings on trees consist of repre- 

 sentations of men, animals, weapons, the different heavenly 

 bodies, lightning, and a variety of other characters. Among 

 the Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, and other tribes with which I am 

 acquainted, marked trees of the character indicated, are found 

 at those camps where the initiation ceremonies are performed. 

 The graves of the natives, the scenes of some of their lights, and 

 remarkable events in their daily life are likewise commoniorated 

 by curious symbols marked on the trees standing around the 

 spot. 



With the assistance of the articles 1 have A\ritten on these 

 subjects, any man of ordinary intelligence could spend an hour 

 or two now and then amongst the blacks near the town or 

 station on which he lives, and gather all the particulars above 

 indicated without any difficulty whatever. The scenes of their 

 initiation ceremonies, rocks containing drawings, marked trees, 

 &c., could be visited as opportunities offered, and full descriptions 

 and drawings made on the spot. 



II See my paper on " Ground and Tree Drawings," American Anthropologist, IX, 

 33-49 ; Journ. Anthrop. Inst., XXV, 154-155. 



