128 R. H. MATHEWS. 



The one I have described in the parish of Wilpinjong, was on 

 undulating country, surrounded by high hills, within less than a 

 mile distant, which could have been selected if the natives had 

 had any particular fancy for such a site. The Bora ground 

 described by Glass was on level country, and the track from 

 the larger to the sacred circle led about a quarter of a mile 

 down the creek. 



From the facts stated in the last few paragraphs it appears to me 

 that the direction of one circle from the other is entirely dependent 

 on the conformation of the country within which the ceremony is 

 being held, and its fitness as regards a well-timbered and isolated 

 spot for the location of the sacred circle with reference to the 

 position of the main encampment. If the district is everywhere 

 hilly, the Bora ground must be selected somewhere within it, but 

 if the country consists partly of hills and partly of level country, 

 the natives select a site easy of access and fit for camping purposes. 

 It would seem that it is immaterial which circle is the higher of 

 the two ; and the track connecting them is likewise subject to the 

 suitableness of the ground ; if the space between the two circles 

 is all of the same character, the track runs straight, but if a better 

 path can be obtained by going along some high ground, or for 

 any other reason, the track is flexuous accordingly. 



The circle at which the initiatory ceremonies commence, and at 

 which the women and children are permitted to be present, is the 

 larger of the two in all Bora grounds which have been brought 

 under my notice, and has throughout my descriptions been taken 

 as the starting point from which the direction of the other circle 

 is given. But in order to prevent any possible ambiguity, it 

 would perhaps be desirable to call the ring at which the women 

 are allowed to appear, the " First," or "Public " circle, and the 

 other one the " Second," or " Sacred " circle. 



Earth is generally used in forming the boundaries of the circles, 

 but one of those described by Mr. Ridley was bounded by " bushes 

 laid as a fence," and I have heard of circles which were denned 

 by logs and bushes, and others by logs and earth. Wyndham 



