Central Parts of Victoria. 



73 



The three natives whom I have before-mentioned as having 

 accompanied me to Seymour, having refused to stay with me 

 so close to the lagoon where I had fixed my camp, I inquired 

 the reason assigned for their refusal, and was informed, that 

 an animal somewhat resembling an emu, but with much 

 longer legs, and of so formidable a character as to threaten 

 them with danger, usually makes its appearance during the 

 commencement of the warmer season, and prowls about the 

 lagoons; but whether this statement contained any degree of 

 truth I will not now venture to say. 



In the commencement of October the Goulburn river falls 

 to its proper level, the winter rains having then subsided ; 

 and the multitudes of fish which appear in its waters attract 

 hither the tribes inhabiting the surrounding districts. At 

 that season too, they subsist upon eggs, which may then be 

 obtained in abundance ; and upon turtle and river moUusca. 

 Hence the reason why they regard with indifference their 

 employment by the settlers. At other times of the year, 

 however, when the bounties of natvire are not afforded on so 

 liberal a scale, they avail themselves largely of ants' eggs, 

 which are collected when traveUing through the forest. For 

 this purpose the hollow trees, in which it is likely the ants 

 have deposited their eggs, are carefully inspected, and upon 

 the discovery of one containing them it is opened with 

 a tomahawk, and the ants and their eggs abstracted from it. 

 These are promiscuously thrown together into a kangaroo 

 skin and are roughly shaken, by which the eggs, on account 

 of their greater specific gravity, are precipitated to the bottom, 

 and the ants, particles of wood, and other impurities on the 

 surface, being then removed, the eggs are eaten raw. I have 

 myself tasted the eggs ; they resemble sago, and possess a 

 very peculiar aroma. 



In the spring of the year marriages become frequent 

 amongst the natives, no doubt on account of the profuseness 

 with which the gifts of nature are then distributed. As it 

 may be interesting to know the mode in which this family 

 affair is conducted, I have thought fit to subjoin the following 

 short account. 



The young man who wishes to marry, has first to look 

 out for a wif'e amongst the girls or leubras of some neigh- 

 bouring tribe, and having fixed his choice, his next care is 

 to obtain her consent. This being managed the happy couple 

 straightway elope, and remain together in the bush for two 

 nights and one day in order to elude the pretended search of 



