EMUS. 297 



distance ; but it appeared the noise proceeded 

 from a batch of young " Wagaras," or cockatoos, 

 in an adjoining tree, which were either disturbed 

 by flying squirrels and opossums,* or, as a black 

 " feller" observed, " 'pose got no supper, merry 

 hungry.'' 



The Emu, or New Holland cassowary, (Casu- 

 arius Novkb Hollandice, Lath.) were abundant 

 about this part of the colony, more particularly 

 at a place not far distant, called " Naganbilly." 

 It is, however, to be regretted, that the birds 

 are becoming rarer as settlements advance, 

 as they could be readily domesticated. The 

 same remark applies also to the kangaroo and 

 other animals, against whom a war of exter- 

 mination seems to have been declared. The 

 emu is principally valued for its oil. The na- 

 tives in this part of the colony call them 

 " Gorin," and " Berebine." The skin of a full- 

 grown bird produces six or seven quarts of oil, 

 clear, and of a beautiful bright yellow colour : 

 the method of extracting or "trying" the oil, is 

 to pluck the feathers, cut the skin into pieces, 

 and boil it ; but the aborigines prefer the flesh 

 with the skin upon it, regarding it, as the Es- 



* The common opossum is called by the aborigines, in this 

 part of the country, " Wille," and " Wadjan;" the ring-tailed 

 opossum, " Bokare," and " Kindine." 



