NATIVE ATHLETIC GAMES. 197 



many curious effects which are often very deceptive. 

 I was much diverted by the appearance of some 

 natives on the summit of a hill about two miles 

 distant from us ; they were much magnified, and 

 their forms perverted by the haze ; their waddling 

 gait was increased to a roll which was irresistibly 

 ludicrous. We halted for a night at Wootair, on 

 our return, and I was made partaker in amusements 

 and exercises, some of which were new to nie. 



Two men seated themselves feet to feet on the 

 floor of the yarang, and each strove to pull the other 

 towards him, which was the aim of the struggle. 

 In another game they contended in a similar manner, 

 but squatting upon hams and knees, with their legs 

 bent under them. In a third trial, a circular band 

 was passed over the necks of the pair, each of whom, 

 leaning back, exerted his best endeavours to prove 

 himself the most headstrong — a complete satire upon 

 matrimony. Several other kinds of gymnastics were 

 practised, all calling for great muscular effort ; the 

 natives jumped fair distances, but could not equal 

 us in a jump of height, yet they have a very curious 

 spring, which we were not at aU able to match them 

 in ; this was leaping right off the ground, kicking, 

 while in the air, a bar or rope frequently breast high. 

 In the yarangas they slung themselves bv one or 



