56 



In fig. 4 of the same plate we have a sketch, three feet 

 in length, in red, of what is no doubt intended for the head, 

 body, and tail of a crocodile, with transverse bars across its 

 length, as in fig. 2. The legs, however, are missing. 



Fig. 5 of pi. xii.. measuring two feet in length, is drawn 

 in red ochre, and depicts the lower portion of a limb of a 

 crocodile, which, if the number of claws is correctly drawn, 

 is a liind leg. 



Fig. 4 of pi. xi. is of doubtful nature. It is painted in 

 yellow ochre, while at its lower extremity, a peculiar subsi- 

 diary design in red surrounds it. The red portion may have 

 belonged to a previous, and, now, partly obliterated, drawing. 

 I am unable to offer any suggestion as to its meaning. A 

 Larrekiya youth traced its resemblance to a frog, and, no 

 doubt, the general squat shape and broad, round end does 

 suggest this view. 



In fig. 6 of pi. xii. we may find an interest in spite of 

 the design having become considerably obliterated through 

 long exposure, from the fact that the radial markings of the 

 little that remains remind one slightly of a feature in some 

 of the paintings figured by Grey."^ The only other explana- 

 tion I can offer is the small ornament constructed of fur and 

 beeswax, worn under the forehead-band of the men. 



On the walls of this cave, also, are numerous reproduc- 

 tions of negative imprints of hands, made in the manner that 

 has been previously recorded. The palm of the hand is held 

 flat against the rock-surface, the mouth filled with a thin 

 paste of pipeclay, or ochre, suspended in water, and these 

 contents squirted around the hand. The result is that a 

 patch of rock is stained red or white, as the case may be, 

 except where it has been protected by the hand. In many 

 instances the imprint is subsequently tinted with a different 

 pigment, or in some cases a ground colour is given to the 

 rock before the imprint is made. 



Figs. 7, 8, and 9 of pi. xii. demonstrate these productions, 

 which show that imprints are made both from the right and 

 left hand. 



Fig. 10 — a long yellow, sinuous curve — mav possibly 

 have been suggested by the form of a serpent ; but it is doubt- 

 ful. As to the remaining figures on this plate, Nos. 11 and 

 12, I have no suggestion to offer. 



I am indebted to Mr. W. Holtze for photographs of an- 

 other group of rock-drawings, secured from the Katherine 

 River. These are all drawn in pipeclay. 



* Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-West 

 nnd Wf^st.prn Australia. London, 1841, vol. i. 



