260 



reproduction of objects may be, it is apparent that the intention 

 is to please the eye, which is undoubtedly the first stimulant for 

 such attempts. This comes perhaps more particularly into play 

 in the ornamenting of their bodies, in the application of colors, 

 as well as in the decoration of their heads with feathers and 

 other embellishments. The lines on their bodies are often very 

 gracefully put on, and considering that every one is his own decor- 

 ator, the elegant and symmetrical curves one may sometimes see 

 upon them are not only pleasing to the eye, but on account of 

 their accuracy almost surprising. Some of the more striking de- 

 signs are depicted upon the figures represented on plates 12 

 to 21. 



Although no doubt the tattoo-sears are considered by them to 

 be ornamental, the want of symmetry forbids their being classed 

 as artistic from our standpoint, but as long as it is acknowledged 

 that they are intended to be decorative, art is implied from a 

 blackfellow's point of view. 



BOCK-PAINTINGS. 



The rock paintings are mostly imitations of objects coming fre- 

 quently under their observations, and considering the very 

 scanty choice of material at their disposal, as well as the primit- 

 ive appliances for executing them with, they are in many in- 

 -stances very creditably reproduced. Some no doubt are meaning- 

 less, and are probably only intended for pleasing lines, or the 

 attempt to produce such. Others probably may convey a distinct 

 meaning, somewhat in the sense of those conveyed by the 

 message sticks, and consequently deserve to be considered as true 

 symbolic hieroglyphics. The consideration of these, however, is 

 difficult, principally on account of the insufficient knowledge of the 

 language of the blacks possessed by us, and the consequent diffi- 

 culty of grasping the idealization of their thoughts. 



According to their execution, which differed considerably and 

 proved the greater or lesser skill and patience of the painters, the 

 impression made by these paintings were very variable. This 

 will be more particularly touched upon when the diflerent paint- 

 ings are separately described. 



Tt is well worth noting that those observed were found within 

 the South Australian boundary, and none at all were met with 

 in Western Australia. This may to some extent be due to the 

 absence of sandstone, because in the granite formation and sand- 

 drifts, rock-shelters and flat escarpments rarely occur. Only the 

 paintings from Mount Illbillie soakage, at the Everard Range, 

 and one other group were found on granite ; all others were on 

 sandstone. 



The first group of rock-paintings met with were those at the 

 Arcoeillinna Wells, which were known to previous visitors. Be- 



