203 Manners and Customs of the Australian Natives, 8^c. 



and quite well. The sight of the grave_, however^ which was 

 prepared for her^ cannot^ at all eveiits_, have been accompanied 

 with pleasing impressions. 



The natives inhabiting the triangular peninsula of Port 

 Lincoln are divided into several tribes^ two of which are in 

 daily intercourse with the Europeans,, viz. — the Nauo or 

 Nawo^ and the Parnkalla. In addition to these, the natives 

 mention three other tribes, as known to them, viz. — the 

 Pukunnas, in the N.E. ; the Kukatas, in the N.W. ; and the 

 Ngannityddis, in the N. ; the latter occupying the territory 

 between those of the two other tribes, some of which do oc- 

 casionally visit the European settlements. 



All these tribes seem upon the whole to entertain a friendly 

 intercourse with each other ; at least, apparently, there is not 

 so much quarrelling going on among them as among the 

 natives living more to the eastward. 



The natives, in coming in contact with others of a different 

 tribe, are very shy at their first meeting. They try to avoid 

 each other, and do not speak together, unless unavoidably 

 obliged to do so, or induced by a mutual friend. 



Every attempt at estimating the number of these natives 

 is made at a hazard, as all the members of a tribe never meet 

 together. The general opinion is that an estimate at an 

 average of 300 individuals for each tribe is by far below the 

 actual number. 



The chief difference of the various tribes consists in their 

 language and dialects. This, however, causes no great in- 

 convenience to those living on the borders of their territories, 

 as each native understands, at least, the language of the ad- 

 joining district ; thus, they frequently keep up their conver- 

 sations in two different languageg| in the same manner as if 

 a German and Englishman were to talk together, each in his 

 own language, but both understanding that of the other 

 party. This peculiarity frequently occurs in families inter- 

 marrying in the neighbouring tribe, for none of the members 

 ever think of attempting to speak the language of the other 

 party. 



In conclusion, I would state that every opportunity should 

 be taken by every one coming in contact with our aborigines 

 to collect as much knowledge as possible of their manners 

 and customs before it is too late; and I may quote Mr. 

 Moffat's words, which, although referring to the Africans, 

 apply also to our aborigines. 



He writes : — " I have traversed those regions iu which. 



