056 MATHEWS—THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES. [Oct. 5, 
THE ORIGIN, ORGANIZATION AND CEREMONIES OF 
THE AUSTRALIAN ’ ABORIGINES. 
(With Map.) 
BY R. H. MATHEWS, L. S., 
CORRES. MEMB. ANTHROP. SOC., WASHINGTON. 
(Read October 5, 1900.) 
In this article it is proposed in the first place to give a short out- 
line of the probable origin of the native tribes of Australia. Then 
will follow the evolution of their social laws regulating intersexual 
relations. A cursory reference will next be made to the initia- 
tion ceremonies, but only so far as to suggest their development. 
A comprehensive map will be added showing the geographic dis- 
tribution of the different systems of intermarrying divisions through- 
out Australia, together with the boundaries within which the customs 
of circumcision and splitting the male urethra are in operation. 
Having traveled very largely in all the Australian colonies during 
the last quarter of a century, in the avocation of a surveyor, as 
well as in grazing and mining pursuits, I have had unusual facilities 
for observing the customs of the aborigines, and it is hoped that 
the result of my researches may be found of some value for ethno- 
graphic and geographic purposes. 
ORIGIN. 
The origin of the aboriginal races of Australia is a subject of high 
and enduring interest to students of anthropology in all parts of the 
world; and for this reason I am tempted to submit, in as brief a 
form as possible, certain views at which I have arrived in regard to 
the peopling of the mainland of Australia and the adjacent island 
of ‘Tasmania. 
In attempting the solution of this difficult problem it is necessary 
to call in the aid of different branches of science, among which 
geography, comparative linguistics, zoology, botany and geology 
take a prominent part. Owing to the antiquity of the Australian 
continent, and the consequent absence of written history, it becomes 
necessary at the outset to propound a theory which will hold the 
ground, reaching far back into prehistoric times, and then to exam- 
ine how this hypothesis fits in with facts observed at the present 
day. 
