3d 



In the second variety, a rare form, used by the Mulluk- 

 Midlnks, the reed shaft and hardwood head are repeated, 

 with the addition of a small, chipped chalcedony blade fixed 

 with resin to the end of the latter. 



Shafts of spears, if crooked, are straightened by hold- 

 ing the bent portion over a block of heated ant-hill earth, 

 on which water is thrown to generate steam. 



Fig. 29. 



S P EAR -THRO WER S . 



The prevailing type of spear-thrower among the north- 

 western coastal tribes is that shown in fig. 29. It is cut out of 

 light wood, measures four and a-half feet in length ; is flat 

 and of uniform thickness (about an inch), both sides being 

 slightly convex. Its breadth is over two inches at the handle, 

 and tapers off to half-an-incli at the end to which the 

 wooden peg is attached with resin. The haft is formed by 

 rounding off the edges, and cutting into the sides of the 

 blade at about four or five inches from the end ; round this 

 ''grip," kangaroo tendon is often wound. The whole surface 

 of the spear-thrower is coated with beeswax, charcoal, and 

 red-ochre. 



The implement is used in throwing all the larger types 

 of spears, with the exception of No. 11, the thrower and 

 spear being clasped by the right hand in such a way that 

 the spear-shaft passes, and is held, betw^een thumb and fore- 

 finger, the remaining fingers holding the handle of the 

 thrower. See fios. 30 and 31. 



Fig. 30. Fig. 31, 



A similar though smaller pattern, cut out of light, soft 

 wood, is not uncommon. It is not painted over with ochre 

 or other material. 



Another type is four feet in length, two inches wide, 

 and v«ry thin and flexible; the side that rests adjacent to the 



