658 
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F. 
INTRODUCING WATER-TREES. 
It would form a fair field for inquiry whether some of the known 
water-trees of other countries might not he introduced into Australia 
for purposes of life rescue for bushmen in cases of water famine. It 
may, too, be possible to extend the area of country for growth of our 
own “ water-trees,” by sowing their seeds in waterless regions, so 
affording a wider supply for Australia’s hardy bushmen. 
CONCLUSION. 
Having taken this cursive glance at the water-quest of the 
aborigines of arid Australia, it will be well to note in what way their 
wafer craft may be made of benefit to explorers and bushmen whose 
calling takes them into those regions of water famine. The bushman 
should make himself well acquainted with — 
First, the Water-trees — Water mallees, needle-bush, eurrajong, 
bloodw r ood, desert oak, and Acacia ; and when in distress he may 
go confidently to their roots for water supply. 
Secondly . — The presence of diamond bird, finch, pigeon, cockatoo, 
parrot, and hornet should be looked for, and when seen made use of. 
Water is then very near. 
Thirdly . — If none of the above present themselves, let him try 
scratching in the sandy bed of creeks for water, as taught by the 
native, the emu, and the dingo. 
By resort to some one of these methods the desert would many 
times be robbed of half its terrors, and the unknown “found dead” 
would less often figure in those lists of lost bushmen published by 
our Australian authorities. The term “ Aquafera” might with 
advantage be added to the names of our special “ Water-trees.” 
The children of Australia should in our schools be taught to know 
these trees wherever seen — an easy botanical lesson. Let this be 
done, and the present brief survey of our natives’ water-quest will 
have been taken to good purpose; and the white Australian may 
traverse the dry realm of u arid ” Australia with all the confidence of 
his dusky brother, the Australian aborigine, who is now hovering on 
the horizon of an early extinction, leaving us, as one permanent 
memento of his existence, his legacy of lore in water-quest. 
9.— ROTUMAH. 
By Rev. THOMAS MOORE. 
10.— A COMPARATIVE VIEW OF SOME SAMOAN CUSTOMS. 
By Rev. J. B. STAIR . 
