THE ABORIGINES OF AUSTRALIA. 257 



Occasionally, however, they might be heard talking of some one great 

 and distinguished individual, who, to judge from their manner of 

 describing him, held a high and influential position in the tribe ; and 

 this has induced many to believe that a sort of chieftainship was re- 

 cognised amongst them. It was always found however, when the 

 subject became thoroughly sifted, that this great personage had ac- 

 quired his influence over his fellows, as perhaps an expert and ready 

 spearsman, solely from beiug more bloodthirsty and domineer- 

 ing than his neighbors, and from having killed all, — men, women, and 

 children, — who were unfortunate enough to fall under his anger. And 

 thus knowing, from bitter experience, that to contradict so dangerous 

 a character would be any thing but prudent, the respect paid to him 

 by the rest of the tribe was altogether a matter of policy on their part, 

 induced by fear, and not from his having any distinct right to dictate 

 or command. 



I have already stated that each tribe is celebrated for the manufac- 

 ture of some weapon or other article. In order to exchange these 

 different articles, as well as to have a sort of jollification and grand 

 Kangaroo hunt, the different tribes assemble by appointment at a 

 given spot at certain seasons of the year. The scenes here enacted 

 are exciting and varied ; they generally begin in harmony and good 

 fellowship, and end in quarrels and an angry dispersion. 



The place of rendezvous is usually in a part of the country where 

 the Kangaroo is plentiful, and in the vicinity of a small Lake. "When 

 all are collected, operations commence by the tribes forming an im- 

 mense circle, having the lake for its centre. The hunters at first are 

 a considerable distance from each other, and extend over a large tract 

 of country. At a preconcerted time, they all gradually draw in to- 

 wards the Lake, shouting and striking their spears and wameras 

 together. The Kangaroos are thus driven from all quarters into the 

 centre, where they find themselves blocked in and completely sur- 

 rounded by the natives. The Kangaroos now make a general rush to 

 escape, and a scene of confusion and noise ensues which baffles de- 

 scription. Spears, kilees, and other weapons are thrown in from all 

 sides, and immense numbers of the game are killed in their vain efforts 

 to clear the boundary. Some in desperation take to the water, but 

 these, being out of their element, are soon despatched. The natives 

 return to their bivouac laden with spoil, and do nothing but eat 

 drink, dance, and sleep, until hunger again drives them forth for a 

 further supply. 



All would appear to be going off smoothly and amicably enough 

 at these general assemblies of the various tribes, nevertheless, sorae- 



