Fig. 14. 



Two types of fish-hooks are employed, but their use is 

 becoming more or less obsolete from the use of metal hooks 

 obtained by barter. The simpler form is cut from a flat 

 bone of kangaroo, or from pearl shell, and has a slight notch 

 at its upper end to permit of the string being securely tied 

 to it. 



In the other pattern two bones are tied at an acute 

 angle with vegetable string secured with resin or wax. See 



fig. 15. The shorter piece is 

 previously pointed at its 

 free end; the longer possesses 

 an enlargement at one extre- 

 mity, to which the line is 

 fastened, usually as follows : 

 — The string is folded at one 

 end into a loop, through 

 which the bone is passed (see 

 fig. 16), and it is kept in place 

 by binding another string, as 

 shown in fig. 17. The line is 

 attached to a long rod. 



The common form of fish- 

 spear measures from ten to 

 Fig. 15. Fig, 16. Fig. 17. eleven feet in length, and con- 

 sists of a single shaft of bam- 

 boo, tapered slightly at its thicker end, into which three slen- 

 der, pointed rods of ironwood (Eryfhro'phlacum lahoncheri ) 

 (or, in the semi-civilized tribes, fencing-wire) are inserted, the 

 attachment being tightly bound round with string. Large 

 fresh- and salt-water fish are speared with this weapon, includ- 

 ing the barramundi fCerafndvs.) and stingray (Trycion sp.). 

 Xo spear-thrower is employed, the spear being held poised 

 until the prey co^nes within close range. 



