136 Recent Discoveries in 



In all. I have marked eleven distinct lines of the distribution 

 of birds, which will be of utility in geographical illustrations. 



High up the Darhng I was informed that the red-crested 

 black Cockatoo exists, but as I have not seen it myself, I can 

 merely give you from various parts the corroborated information 

 of the inhabitants. 



Of quadrupeds I have found twenty-six different species, of 

 which eleven are not marsupial, and of which I have the plea- 

 sure of announcing to you that five are entirely new to me. A 

 great many of these, according to Gould's work, are only 

 uniquely represented in the London Museum, and in my belief 

 these unique qiiadrupeds are not the same, which I have brought 

 with me. Most of these quadrupeds I have collected in large 

 numbers, and they are entirely the results of the exertions of 

 my friends the Yarree Yarree Aborigines, and for which I have 

 given them flour, sugar, tea, blankets, clothing, and other small 

 presents, amounting in all to about ,£200 in value. 



On the Darling I discovered a small animal which digs up 

 the dead bodies of the natives and devours them. It is called 

 by them Yakoo. 



V. Concerning the natives, I could communicate many new 

 and interesting particulars to the Philosophical Institute but 

 time forbids me entering upon the subject at present. The 

 Loddon tribe or Gunbowers are of an athletic figure, wild, re- 

 sisting civilisation well ; but even they diminis h in numbers 

 in a most deplorable manner. Nearly all of them now 

 possess firearms. They live principally on jypha or cala- 

 mites roots, which they bake. In January they collect in large 

 numbers to enjoy the fishing season on the Murray. Playing 

 at sham-fights, is their amusement. In February they com- 

 mence to fight in earnest with the neighbouring tribes, and 

 have several hard combats. Their burial grounds are of a long 

 oblong form, like their shields, and from 100 to 120 yards in 

 extent. 



At Swan Hill I have seen a native of a truly enormous size, 

 and well proportioned, his breadth being in harmony with his 

 great height. 



The fisher tribes in the neighbourhood of the junction of the 

 Murrumbidgee and Murray, are distinguished by great scars or 

 gashes along their backs, and which they inflict upon them- 

 selves with burning sticks. It woidd require the stoical resig- 

 nation of a Mucius Scaevola to endure the terrible pain, to 

 which they expose themselves on losing a relative, when they 

 burn their backs. Near the junction of the Darling the women 



