Central Parts of Victoria. 73 
The three natives whom I have before-mentioned as having 
accompanied me to Seymour, having refused to stay with me 
so close to the lagoon where I had fixed my camp, I inquired 
the reason assigned for their refusal, and was informed, that 
an animal somewhat resembling an emu, but with much 
longer legs, and of so formidable a character as to threaten 
them with danger, usually makes its appearance during the 
commencement of the warmer season, and prowls about the 
lagoons; but whether this statement contained any degree of 
truth I will not now venture to say. 
In thescommencement of October the Goulburn river falls 
to its proper level, the winter rains having then subsided ; 
and the multitudes of fish which appear in its waters attract 
hither the tribes inhabiting the surrounding districts. At 
that season too, they subsist upon eggs, which may then be 
obtained in abundance; and upon turtle and river mollusca. 
Hence the reason why they regard with indifference their _ 
employment by the settlers. At other times of the year, 
however, when the bounties of nature are not afiorded on so 
liberal a scale, they avail themselves largely of ants’ eggs, 
which are collected when travelling through the forest. Tor 
this purpose the hollow trees, in which it is likely the ants 
have deposited their eggs, are carefully inspected, and upon 
the discovery of one containing them it is opened with 
a tomahawk, and the ants and their eggs abstracted from it. 
These are promiscuously thrown together into a kangaroo 
skin and are roughly shaken, by which the eggs, on account 
of their greater specific gravity, are precipitated to the bottom, 
and the ants, particles of wood, and other impurities on the 
surface, being then removed, the eggs are eaten raw. I have 
myself tasted the eggs; they resemble sago, and possess a 
very peculiar aroma. 
In the spring of the year marriages become frequent 
amongst the natives, no doubt on account of the profuseness 
with which the gifts of nature are then distributed. As it 
may be interesting to know the mode in which this family 
affair is conducted, I have thought fit to subjoin the following 
short account. 
The young man who wishes to marry, has first to look 
out for a wife amongst the girls or leubras of some neigh- 
bouring tribe, and having fixed his choice, his next care is 
to obtain her consent. This being managed the happy couple 
straightway elope, and remain together in the bush for two 
nights and one day in order to elude the pretended search of 
G 
