244 R. H. MATHEWS. 



who are also supposed to be clever sorcerers, are then sent 

 forward as spies to report upon the precise place where 

 the tribe they are in quest of is located. They hold up the 

 'murur' in their hand as they travel stealthily along, 

 because it is supposed to possess the magic power of guid- 

 ing them to the quarter of the camp occupied by the slayer. 



While the spies are away on their dangerous task, the 

 other men who remain at the secret bambilli clear a small, 

 circular patch of ground, by scraping away the leaves, 

 small pieces of sticks, grass, loose stones, or the like, which 

 may be lying on the surface. For this purpose they gener- 

 ally select a place where there is a tree growing in the 

 centre, and clear the ground for several yards around it. 

 A tree with soft bark is preferred, such as a gum, grey 

 box or peppermint. With their stone tomahawks, or with 

 the sharp ends of their clubs, the men in the way already 

 described chop into the bark of the tree some rude marks, 

 such as lines and zig-zag devices, resembling the marks on 

 trees at ' Bunan ' grounds or buryiug places, but not so 

 elaborate. [See illustration and descriptive letter-press.] 

 Somewhere within the clearing a hole or hollow place is 

 made in the ground, into which the men discharge the pro- 

 ducts of the emunctories, throw remains of food, or other 

 refuse. These precautions are taken lest a spirit or con- 

 jurer belonging to the enemy should become possessed of 

 any of their refuse, excreta, or the like, and thereby frus- 

 trate their designs. The men who are in charge of this 

 bambilli go out hunting to renovate their supply of food, 

 but they make as little noise as possible — their operations 

 being chiefly confined to fruits, reptiles, and game caught 

 with nets. 



When the spies have ascertained the position of the pre- 

 destinated person in the hostile camp, and his surroundings, 

 thev start back to their fellows without delay. On their 



