MURRUMBIDGEE, LOWER LACHLAN, AND LOWER DARLING. 41 
roughly it may be handled. It is therefore launched without the 
slightest ceremony upon the waters where it is destined to float for 
the few brief years of its existence. 
After the lapse of two years or a little more the canoe becomes 
heavy and sodden, therefore correspondingly unwieldy, so the 
owner in his many rambles keeps his eyes about him with the view 
of discovering a suitable tree from which he can take a canoe 
wherewith to replace his now frail craft. 
According to the size of the canoe required, so is the tree 
selected from which to take the bark. Heads of families generally 
- ea: ts p gently to within striking distance of the plants which 
his 'W last in ee knowing quite well that at the foot thereof 
— in 
me is resting ; poising hi 
Space, he launches it with see rful 
bring his 
