1 a l)ettpr explanation of it than is offered here may yet 



in part of the woof he regards as thoroughly demonstrated 

 ; of opinion that after the Tasmanian and Malay elements 



to disentangle the racial constituents will be the science ot 

 philology. 



Much may yet be done V»y comparing different dialects, to shew 

 the original form of definitive endings which have virtually lost 

 their identity, and besides explaining their own peculiarities 

 Australian dialects may throw light upon some Asiatic languages. 

 The sketch of Australian languages here given has been necessarily 

 brief, but sufficient it is hoped to show their general features and 

 in some measure their mutual relationship. A more thorough 

 and extended study of Australian language will amply repay the 

 labour of the philologist inasmuch as it forms a very fertile field 

 for his science. Many striking examples of metonymy are notice- 

 able, such as the characterizing of men and kangaroos by the same 

 name, a peculiarity remarked by Mr. E. M. Curr. It is common 

 to find a tribe applying to the kangaroo the term which a neigh- 

 bouring tribe applies to man, and even within the same tribe 

 kangaroo and man are designated by the one name or by naniee 



a{. plication of what is etymological ly the same term to very 

 ditterent animals. Thus the word for opossum in one place may 

 be the name for doff in another. It is much to be regretted that 

 so little of the Tasmanian speech has been preserved, since it may 

 be employed as a touch-stone for testing the Papuan element m 

 Australian languages, not overlooking the fact that particular 

 terms may be common to two distinct races. 



Rev. S. Wilkinson— I should like to know whether there is 

 any reference in the paper to the rites of burial of the aborigines. 

 I have resided fifty years in Queensland, Victoria, and this colony, 

 and J thiiik the burial rites of all others are most deeply interest- 

 ing, HUi\ ^Mve us a touch of nature l)eyond anything I have seen 



Mr. C. MooHK— My knowledge of tlie aborigines extends over 

 a period of forty-two years. A.s in their natural state they hv© 

 in a state of perfect nudity I take it that wherever in *hese 

 drawings they are shewn in clothing they must have seen some 



