308 
WEAPONS, 
of a similar character, a branch or limb is selected 
which has naturally the requisite curve (an angle 
from one hundred to one hundred and thirty degrees) 
and is dressed down to a proper shape and thick- 
ness, and rounded somewhat at the bend, those 
whose angles are slightly obtuse, are usually thrown 
with the sharp edge against the wind, and go circling 
through the air with amazing velocity, and to a 
great height and distance, describing nearly a para- 
bola and descending again at the foot of the person 
who throws them ; those which have the largest 
obtuse angle are thrown generally against the 
ground from which they bound up to a great height, 
and with much force. With both, the natives are 
able to hit distant objects with accuracy, either in 
hunting or in war ; in the latter case this weapon is 
particularly dangerous, as it is almost impossible, 
even when it is seen in the air, to tell which way it 
will go, or where descend. I once nearly had my arm 
broken by a wangno, whilst standing within a yard 
of the native who threw it, and looking out purposely 
for it. 
The (katta twirris) or two-edged sword is a for- 
midable weapon, used among the tribes to the north 
of Adelaide, exclusively for war ; another weapon, 
common among the same tribes, is the katta, a round 
chisel-pointed stick, about three feet long, and used 
principally in pitched battles between two indi- 
viduals. 
Another weapon is an angular piece of hard wood, 
