62 
HORN EXPEDITION-ANTHROPOLOGY. 
used in their natural condition, the proper method of preparation, for which I am 
partly indebted to Mr. Gillen, is as follows : The variety preferred is that growing 
on tlie tops of stony ranges; of this the leaves and stems are dried in the sun. 
These are then groutid into powder, which is mixed with an equal quantity of the 
white ash of the leaves and fine twigs of Cassia ereniophila if available, if not, of 
those parts of some other bush, and the mass is made into a bolus of suitable size 
with saliva. This is chewed and passed from mouth to mouth, a bolus lasting about 
twenty-four hours. When not in use it is carried behind the ear or in the head 
or arm band. The lubras are allowed to chew the plant only in the natural 
state. Mr. Gillen informs me that the plant is used as a trade article as far north 
as Tennant’s Creek. 
GRAMINE/E. 
Triodia pungens. Porcupine grass. This, which is the common species in 
the McDonnell Range districts, has viscid leaf-sheaths. From these a nearly 
black resinous exudation is obtained, the material of which is extensively used by 
the natives, as a cementing material in the manufacture and mending of many 
articles. The method of preparing it, as communicated to me by Mr. Gillen, is as 
follows :—The leaves and stems are pounded into fine shreds ; as much as possible 
of this fibrous material is discai’ded, while the sticky residue is collected and 
melted l)y holding close to it a burning stick or bunch of burning grass. The mass 
is then placed on a heated flat stone and well kneaded with another hot stone, 
which is held between two pieces of wood. It is tlien ready for use, or, if allowed 
to harden, it can be re-melted when required. I was also told that use is made of 
the masses of this exudation which accumulate at the bases of burnt porcupine. 
For the composition and qualities of this substance vide “ Spinifex Resin ” J. H. 
Maiden, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 2nd ser., vol. iv. (1889), p. 639; also, “Notes 
on some Vegetable Exudations,” by the same author. Rep. Horn Exped., pt. iii., 
Appendix. 
Reference has been made to the use of the root of Leschenaultia divaricata as 
the source of a similar product. The root is heated in the ashes, and, by rubbing 
it on to a stick, a plastic substance detaches itself from the bark which hardens as 
it cools. When in the plastic condition it is moulded and hammered so as to form 
a cementing union, or rather moulding, for the point of junction of objects which 
were to be united. I saw the blacks go through the performance as a demon¬ 
stration, but though it was clear that a sticky substance could be thus obtained I 
had no evidence that it could be produced in quantity, or that it is put to practical 
