64 THE ABORIGINES OF THE LOWER MURRAY, LOWER 
thrive on it most amazingly. In appearance the Jaarp is not 
unlike the manna which some of the Eucalyptus genus shed inthe 
summer months; the tas also something similar, with the 
It frequently happens that the laarp deposits are 15 or 20 
miles distant from water (the most arid spots in the mallee are 
those generally chosen by the insect, if the young mallee shoots 
be available) ; but notwithstanding the distance and the absence 
of water, every member of the tribe who can crawl at all, even 
to the picture, which is certainly the reverse of ig. Ere 
half a dozen miles have been travelled by the jolly laarp seekers, 
the frail and weak of the party begin to groan and m Bei 
i o 
entirely, and so come to a standstill ; the strong ones however do 
not pay the least attention to these laggards, but continue in ther 
course quite unconcerned, 
hours of sulky rest, together with much gluttony, that they ca? 
be brought to describe the trip and the condition of the laarp fel 
Notwithstanding the hardships and privations experienced @ 
rst expedition, as soon as ever their aboriginal nature has 
recovered its normal tone, a fresh excursion is organiz similar 
