138 WHAT MR. DARWIN SAW. 



AUSTRALIA. 



of about the size of cricket-balls, on the burning wood. In 

 about ten minutes the sticks were consumed, and the stones 



Lot. They had previously folded up 

 in small parcels of leaves pieces of 

 beef, fish, ripe and unripe bananas, 

 and the tops of the wild arum. These 

 green parcels were laid in a layer be- 

 tween two layers of the hot stones, 

 and the whole then covered up with 



BANANA BLOSSOM. 



earth, so that no smoke or steam could 



escape. In about a quarter of an hour the whole was most 

 deliciously cooked. The choice green parcels were now laid 

 on a cloth of banana leaves, and with a cocoa-nut shell we 

 drank the cool water of the running stream; and thus we 

 enjoyed our rustic meal. 



THE AUSTRALIAN NEGRO. 



A LARGE tribe of natives, called the White Cockatoo men, 

 happened to pay a visit to the settlement at King George's 

 Sound while we were there. These men, as well as those of 

 the tribe belonging to the Sound, being tempted by the offer 

 of some tubs of rice and sugar, were persuaded to hold a 

 "corrobery," or great dancing -party. As soon as it grew 

 dark, small fires were lighted and the men commenced their 

 toilet, which consisted in painting themselves white in spots 

 and lines. As soon as all was ready, large fires were kept 

 blazing, round which the women and children were collected 

 as spectators. The Cockatoo and King George's men formed 



