38 AUSTRALIA AND THE AUSTRALIANS. 



On some occasions the performance opens with a war 

 dance, when an intricate set of evolutions takes place, 

 accompanied by a brandishing of clubs, spears, boome- 

 rangs and shields. 



After a few fierce and terrifying yells, they rush 

 together in close fight. Presently one party gives way, 

 and are driven from the field into the dark wood, with 

 roars and groans, and sounds of blows, as well repre- 

 sent a bloody slaughter. 



A part of a corrobboree is thus described by one 

 who was present : " A herd of cattle was feeding on the 

 plain, each beast being represented by a native. The 

 imitation was skilful and ludicrously exact. 



" Some were lying down, chewing the cud ; others 

 stood scratching themselves with hind feet or horns, 

 licking themselves or their calves; several rubbing 

 their heads together. 



" Presently a party of blacks was seen creeping to- 

 wards the cattle, taking all precautions, such as keep- 

 ing to windward, to prevent the herd from being 

 alarmed. When they got close enough, they speared 

 two head, to the intense delight of the black spectators, 

 who vigorously applauded. 



" The hunters next went through the mimic opera- 

 tion of skinning and cutting up and carrying away. 



" The next performance was that of a fight between 



