288 T. DICK. 



the Dative (probably the descendant of the previous oper- 

 ator), hence the most remarkable results as shown on some 

 of the trees. When shields had been cut right at the 

 bottom, peculiar results were brought about, and where 

 two or more shields had been removed the trees were found 

 to have completely split open, so that where there was one 

 tree there are now three or four. 



Plate XLIX. — The rabbet having been properly cut to the 

 required depth (this being about three inches) the two 

 natives are now engaged driving the peculiar bluff wedges 

 into the special rabbet, and the man on the left is handing 

 up the wedges to the native on the right, who is driving 

 them in with a stone hammer or maul. Several of the 

 wedges have broken, others chipped; these are dropped as 

 shown, and to-day are the specimens found in all areas 

 where this work has been done. 



Plate L. — Having been successful in getting the wedges 

 to draw in the rabbet the shield has been forced off, 

 and the native is lifting the piece away from the tree. 

 The thickness of the piece can be seen in this picture, also 

 the defined mark left on the tree. This mark is what has 

 been traced right through the mangrove areas in this 

 district. It will be seen that no fragments of timber are 

 clinging to the shield, and that it has come away from the 

 tree clean of all splinters. 



Plate LI. — A fine specimen of the work of the stone 

 age, which by appearance was done about one hundred 

 years ago. The mark of the shield which was removed 

 is well defined, and part of the rabbet is still showing 

 at the bottom. 



