316 
GOVERNMENT. 
plements and weapons, as he advances in life. An 
old grey-headed man generally carries the principal 
implements and weapons, either for war or sorcery ; 
many of the latter the women and children are 
never allowed to see, such as pieces of rock-crystal, 
by which the sorcerer can produce rain, cause blind- 
ness, or impart* to the waters the power of destroy- 
ing life, &c. ; sacred daggers for causing the death 
of their enemies by enchantment; the moor-y-um- 
karr or flat oval piece of wood which is whirled 
round the camp at nights, and many others of a 
similar nature. 
I have not, however, found that age is invariably 
productive of influence, unless the individual has 
previously signalized himself among his people, and 
taken up a commanding position when youth and 
strength enabled him to support his pretensions, and 
unless he be still in full possession of vigour of mind 
and energy of character, though no longer endowed 
with personal strength. The grey-head appears to 
be usually treated with respect as long as the owner 
is no incumbrance to those around him, but the 
moment he becomes a drag, every tie is broken, and 
he is at once cast off to perish. Among many tribes 
with which I have been acquainted, I have often 
noticed that though the leading men were generally 
elderly men from forty -five to sixty years old, they 
were not always the oldest; they were still in full 
vigour of body and mind, and men who could take a 
prominent part in acting as well as counselling. I am 
