57 



A creditable design of a lizard is the best preserved of 

 the group (pi. xiii.). It is well proportioned, and from the 

 long, slender head and neck of the figure, one might safely 

 refer it to the monitor (Varnnits sp.), which is there plentiful 

 and forms an object of their hunts. A decided ditt'crentia- 

 tion between head, body, and tail has been attempted, the 

 last-named tapering to a long, fine end. A long, bifurcated 

 tongue is extruded, which is in conformity with a frequent 

 habit of these animals. The left forelimb, only, possesses the 

 correct number of claws. 



On pi. xiv. are shown two drawings, which may 

 probably be meant for representations of the archer 

 fish (Tnccotes sp.) that inhabits the waters of this 

 region. This fish is noted for its habit of cap- 

 turing insects resting on the leaves of water-plants 

 by shooting a stream of water upon them from below. 

 The general shape, position of the fins, straight antero-dorsal 

 contour, and strong dorsal spines support the above inference. 

 The lateral line in both drawings seems indicative of the row 

 of dark circles usually ornamenting the local species ; if that 

 be so, the band is too central in the figure, and should be 

 nearer the dorsal border. 



The next, and different, variety of fish shown on plate xv. 

 may be referred to a species of Thern'pon, on grounds of 

 general similarity of shape. The species inhabiting the local 

 waters is characterized by the short, square-cut tail, and the 

 long, low, sj^iny, postero-dorsal fin that, it is clear, the figure 

 means to represent. The sketch, at first sight, gives the im- 

 pression that spines are distributed over the greater part 

 of the body. The effect is very likely due to streaking of 

 the pigment by the weather, rather than to design. 



Drawings on Bark and Implements. — Reference has al- 

 ready been made to the emblems painted on the chests of 

 messengers and visitors to another tribe, or of those who are 

 returning after a Ion?" absence. 



Somewhat allied to these are the pictorial representations 

 of familiar objects upon implements and pieces of bark. 



A \ery instructive series of pipeclay drawings on bark 

 was obtained from the Katherine River, for the photographs 

 of which I have again to thank Mr. W. Holtze. 



The most true to nature, and perhaps the best-executed 

 figure of the series is that of a kangaroo in profile (pi. xvi.). 

 The sense of proportionate size of the various parts is not 

 bad, as are also their details. From the attitude of the kan- 

 garoo it is probably intended to be dead ; this is suggested 

 mainly by the drawn-up tail and clutched fore-claws. 



