98 



is undoubtedly meant for Yarrau. There are many bushes (scrub) for which 

 I admit even the bushman has no name. But nothing growing approaching a 

 tree in the strict sense of the term has been left unchrlstened. (James 

 Frederick. ) 



Referring to the'paragraph "What is Narran?" It must be Yarra,n that is 

 meant, but in some parts the blacks may call It Narran. I have never heard 

 it so called anywhere. 



I am a native of the colony, and until the last twenty years was in the 

 country — boy and man — over forty years. (James Stalnway.) 



As to the geographical name Narran we have the following : — 



Narran, a large swamp and river of New South Wales. It was discovered 

 by Sir T. L. Mitchell in 1846. Narran Swamp is situated 26 miles beyond the 

 iRiver Darling ; the Narran Elver terminates in this extensive swamp ; It join.s 

 the river Balonne in long. 148° 25' E., and lat. 28° 35' 38" S. Along the 

 banks of this river the grass is of the very best description, growing on plains 

 or In open forests; very available in every respect for cattle stations. ("A 

 Geographical Dictionary ; or Gazetteer of the Australian Colonies," by W. H. 

 ,Wells, Sydney, 1848.) 



If we turn to chapter 3 of Mitchell's " Tropical Australia," we find 

 abundant references to the Narran Swamp and River. 



It was evidently a native name, not given by Mitchell, but adopted from 

 the name the stockmen-gave him. I cannot .connect it with our Yarran. 



It seems to me that we must write " Narran " the scrub as a variant 

 of the word " Yarran," and it may be now buried decently. If, however, 

 ^ny further evidence be forthcoming, it can be disinterred at any time. 



Ahoriginal Name. — "' Won,g-arrah " is an aboriginal name at Cloncurry, 

 Northern Queensland, according to Mr. E. Palmer; but in regard to all 

 names attributed to the Yarran, care should be taken that the herbarium 

 specimens do not refer to the Gidgee (Acacia Cambagei) (see p. 99), these 

 flrwo species being often confused with dried specimens only. 



Leaves. — There is considerable difference in the width of young and 

 mature leaves (phyllodes) in this -species. Cattle eat the foliage. 



Fruit. — ^This is one of the Wattles of which the blacks used to eat the 

 seeds. 



'JBarJe. — A specimen of this bark gave the following result: — Tannic acid, 

 90G per cent., and extract 21-51 per cent. It was from an old tree full of 

 Aakes, and could be pulled to pieces with the fingers. A dry-country bark, 

 ibut hardly a fair specimen of that. 



Timber. — One of the best firewoods of the west. Timber hard, and of a 

 .violet odour. This dark-brown wood is much sought after for turners' work 

 on account of its solidity and fragrance. It is well adapted to cabinet- 

 making purposes, and stock-whip handles and fancy articles, such as rulers 

 and napkin rings, are often made from it. Allan Cunningham says the 

 natives of New South "Wales formerly employed it for spearS; Eeferring to 

 [the blacks of Northern Queensland, — ■ 



The wood is made into boomerangs, and Is the favourite wood for spears. 

 Some spears are found 12 and 14 feet long, in one straight piece, not thicker 

 than a man's finger, being very tough and free in the grain. ( E. Palmer. ) 



Exudations. — E. Palmer says the gum is gathered and eaten from this 

 tree on the Cloncurry, Queensland. It is also used for adhesive purposes 

 in New South Wales. 



Bize. — As a ride it is a small or medium-sized tree, often gnlatrled. 

 Speaking of the Lachlan district, Mr. Forester Kidston stated : — " Yarran 



