T^^ Pircc/ors .lininal /\<porf. 



specimens, as compared with the achievements of other primitive 

 people. The peculiar bent of the Au.stralian characfter and also its 

 undeveloped condition are alike illustrated by these two features. 



A remarkable similarity of design is found in the weapons of 

 this vast region, due, in great measure, to an extensive system of 

 barter which was established throughout the country in early times. 

 As a rule the manufadlure of a specific form of implement was the 

 produ(5lion of a special tribe or locality, which in some cases was 

 celebrated to great distances for the skill and perfe(5lion of its 

 work. Articles displaying the highest finish and best taste in 

 decoration were principally derived from the north and west. No 

 particular class of men was engaged solely in barter, but each man 

 set out as necessity or inclination led, accompanied or alone, and 

 bearing the producfts of his own industry. Well defined trade 

 routes, upon which the traveller was free from molestation, con- 

 verged in recognized bartering grounds, where large numbers of 

 natives were often congregated. The usual time for these barter- 

 ing expeditions was the winter, as dependency on water compelled 

 the journey to be undertaken when this could be obtained. For 

 this reason the routes followed the water holes and river beds, and 

 in some cases they may represent the course of the original distri- 

 bution of the race, and may have been in use since that early time. 

 The less frequented bartering tracks were often marked by stones 

 or other objedls placed at intervals to direct the stranger. A trader 

 would sometimes make his presence known by smoke and fire 

 signals, upon recognizing which others would assemble. One 

 frequent artifice to attract attention was to cover a smoking fire at 

 regular intervals, by means of which an intermittent column of 

 smoke was produced. The hovering of birds over the wa>farer 

 also served as an index to the presence of the trader. 



The rare occurrence of the valued quartz (luarries, so frequent- 

 ly resorted to by makers of spear heads and cutting instruments, 

 and their jealous possession by local tribes, also tended to confine 

 the production of special articles in individual centres and to stim- 

 ulate the custom of exchange. The introduction of metal tools 

 and of glass has of recent years depreciated the value of quartz 

 and has also had a detrimental influence on a system once so prev- 

 alent. To this must be added the frequent hostilitv of the white 



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