SOME HABITS AND CUSTOMS OF THE CHINGALEE 
TRIBE, NORTHERN TERRITORY, S.A. 
By A. G. B. RAvenscrort. 
(Communicated by E. C. Stirling, M.D.) 
[Read July 5, 1892.] 
Locatity.—The Chingalee Tribe occupy a large area of country 
of which Charlotte Waters is the centre; extending northward 
96 miles to Daly Waters; southwards 60 miles to Powell’s 
Creek ; eastwards 100 miles; and westwards 70 miles. 
WartTER-SUPPLY.—These aboriginals are by no means solely 
dependent upon the creeks for their water-supply, as they have 
shallow wells in various parts of the scrub, 12 and 15 miles dis- 
tant from the water-courses. One of these native wells is 
remarkable as regards its construction, being sunk vertically for 
eight feet, and then a drive was run for six feet. These natives 
do not appear to be particular as to the purity of their drinking 
water, and camp by preference at their wells, in which the water 
is generally more or less tainted, instead of at water-holes. Also 
the water contained in their wooden vessels often fairly stinks, 
owing to their habit of putting leaves in it to prevent its spilling, 
and then neglecting to remove them. This causes a fermentation 
to be set up, which renders the water quite unsuitable to a thirsty 
European. The water in the wells is generally of an inky colour, 
and gives the impression of being contaminated with sewage. 
. Reticion.—The idea of a Supreme or any other Supernatural 
Being does not appear to exist. Neither is there any conception 
of a hereafter; for, when asked what becomes of them after 
death, the invariable reply is “all along same dingo.” It may 
be stated, however, that amongst the Dawson blacks of Queens- 
land there is current a kind of “Adam and Eve” story to the 
effect that long ago blacks of both sexes lived in the sky, who 
were let down on the earth to play during the day; and taken 
up again at sunset. On one occasion a blackfellow and his lubra 
were left behind, and after this the others never again visited 
the earth. From this pair the blacks of the Dawson River were 
said to be descended. 
Customs.—Circumcision is generally practised. Two per cent. 
of the males have also the urethral canal laid open. This latter 
operation consists in making on the underside of the penis an in- 
cision into the canal extending from the base to the orifice. The 
cut is then plugged with clay until healed. At the age of ten 
years the boys are circumcised ; but the severer operation is only 
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