98 



is undoubtedly meant for Yarran. There are many bushes (scrub) for which 

 I admit even the bushman has no name. But nothing growing approaching a 

 trc-c in the strict sense of the term has been left unchristened. (James 

 Frederick. ) 



Referring to the paragraph "What is Narran?'' It must be Yarran that is 

 meant, but in some parts the blacks may call it Narran. I have never heard 

 it so called anywhere. 



I am a native of the colony, and until the last twenty years was in the 

 country boy and man over forty years. (James Stainway.) 



As to the geographical name Narran we have the following : 



Narran, a large swamp and river of New South Wales. It was discovered 

 by Sir T. L. Mitchell in 1840. Narran Swamp is situated 26 miles beyond the 

 Hiver Darling ; the Narrau River terminates in this extensive swamp ; it joins 

 the river Balonne in long. 148 25' E., and lat. 28 35' 38" S. Along the 

 banks of this river the grass is of the very best description, growing on plains 

 or in open forests; very available in every respect for cattle stations. ("A 

 Geographical Dictionary; or Gazetteer of the Australian Colonies," by W. H. 

 .Wells, Sydney, 1S48.) 



If we turn to chapter 3 of Mitchell's " Tropical Australia," we find 

 abundant references to the Narran Swamp and River. 



' It was evidently a native name, not given by Mitchell, but adopted from 

 the name the stockmen gave him. I cannot connect it with our Yarran. 



It seems to me that we must write " Narran " the scrub as a variant 

 of the word "Yarran," and it may be now buried decently. If, however, 

 any further evidence be forthcoming, it can be disinterred at any time. 



Aboriginal Name. " Wong-arrah " is an aboriginal name at Cloncurry, 

 Northern. Queensland, according to Mr. E. Palmer; but in regard to all 

 names attributed to the Yarran, care should be taken that the herbarium 

 {specimens do not refer to the Gidgee (Acacia Cambagei) (see p. 99), these 

 /two species being often confused with dried specimens only. 



Leaves. There is considerable difference in the width of young and 

 mature leaves (phyllodes) in this species. Cattle eat the foliage. 



Fruit. This is one of the Wattles of which the blacks used to eat the 

 . seeds. 



Baric. A specimen of this bark gave the following result: Tannic acid, 

 D'06 per cent., and extract 21-51 per cent. It was from an old tree full of 

 flakes, and could be pulled to pieces with the fingers. A dry-country bark, 

 Jbut hardly a fair specimen of that. 



Timber. One of the best firewoods of the west. Timber hard, and of a 

 rviolet odour. This dark-brown wood is much sought after for turners' work 

 on account of its solidity and fragrance. It is well adapted to cabinet- 

 making purposes, and stock-whip handles and fancy articles, such as rulers 

 and napkin rings, are often made from it. Allan Cunningham says the 

 natives of New South Wales formerly employed it for spears. Referring to 

 /the blacks of Northern Queensland, 



The wood is made into boomerangs, and is the favourite wood for spears. 

 Some spears are found 12 and 14 feet long, in one straight piece, not thicker 

 than a man's finger, being very tough and free in the grain. (E. Palmer.) 



Exudations. E. Palmer says the gum is gathered and eaten from this 

 tree on the Cloncurry, Queensland. It is also used for adhesive purposes 

 in New South Wales. 



fiize. As a rule it is a small or medium-sized tree, often giiafrled. 

 Speaking of the Lachlan district, Mr. Forester Kidston stated : '"' Yarran 



