170 NATIVE DRAWINGS. 



various objects that attract their attention, on the 

 smooth surface of the rocks. This they do by re- 

 moving the hard red outer coating, and baring to 

 view the natural colour of the greenstone, according 

 to the outline they have traced. Much ability is dis- 

 played in many of these representations, the subjects 

 of which could be discovered at a glance. The 

 number of specimens was immense, so that the na- 

 tives must have been in the habit of amusing them- 

 selves in this innocent manner for a long period of 

 time. I could not help reflecting, as I examined 

 with interest the various objects represented* — the 



* See the accompanying lithographic impression of the copies 

 made by Captain Wickham of the native drawings on Depuch 

 Island. They have already appeared in the Royal Geographical 

 Journal, Vol. XII. The following list will convey to the reader 

 what the drawings are intended to represent. 



1. A goose or duck. 



2. A bird; probably the leipoa. 

 6. A beetle. 



11. A fish over a quarter-moon ; which has been considered to 

 have some reference to fishing by moonlight. 



61. A native dog. 



16. A native, armed with spear and woramera, or throwing stick, 

 probably relating his adventures, which is usually done 

 by song, and accompanied with great action and 

 flourishing of weapons, particularly when boasting of 

 his prowess. 



20. A duck and a gull. 



34. A corrobory, or native dance. 



65. A crab. 



30. A native in a hut, with portion of the matting with which 

 they cover their habitations. 



