272 EFFECTS OF EATING THEM. 



consistence to dough made from smutty wheat 

 mixed with fat. The bodies of the moths are 

 large, and filled with a yellowish oil, resembling 

 in taste a sweet nut. These masses (with which 

 the "Netbuls" or "Talabats" of the native 

 tribes are loaded, during the season of feasting 

 upon the " Bugong,") will not keep above a 

 week, and seldom even for that time ; but by 

 smoking they are able to preserve them for a 

 much longer period. The first time this diet is 

 used by the native tribes, violent vomiting and 

 other debilitating effects are produced ; but 

 after a few days they become accustomed to its 

 use, and then thrive and fatten exceedingly 

 upon it. 



These insects are held in such estimation 

 among the aborigines, that they assemble from 

 all parts of the country to collect them from 

 these mountains. It is not only the native 

 blacks that resort to the " Bugong," but 

 crows also congregate for the same purpose. 

 The blacks (that is, the crows and aborigines) 

 do not agree about their respective shares, 

 so the stronger decides the point ; for when 

 the crows (called " Arabul" by the natives) 

 enter the hollows of the rocks to feed upon 

 the insects, the natives stand at the entrance, 

 and kill them as they fly out, and afford them 



