* 
MURRUMBIDGEE, LOWER LACHLAN, AND LOWER DARLING. 23 
master. Should she demur, as is frequently the case, the coercion 
of a nulla nulla (bludgeon) is resorted to, and it seldom fails to 
have the desired effect. There is not the faintest trace of any 
ceremony connected with this tie—it is merely a matter of 
mating. Still, it is binding enough, at least as far as regards the 
woman ; the man at any time, however, can cut the knot, and 
send the woman back to her people, by whom she is received 
readily enough, and there is not any trouble or bother about it. 
There may perhaps be a slight coolness displayed by the father or 
other guardian of the girl towards her some time husband, for a 
few days, but further than this there is not any dispute or quarrel 
on the subject of the slight. (Their dialects, however, being 
gether guiltless of a synonym for that noun may account for their 
calmness under the circumstances.) The girl, of course, is again 
Polygamy is allowed to any extent, and this law is generally 
taken advantage of by those who chance to be rich in sisters, 
Fathers of grown-up sons frequently exchange their daughters 
or th e 
. os ? . 6 * 
ving their fires cared for, their water-vessels filled, and their 
e carried from camp to camp. 
