ornamentation are drawn with all the accuracy and care that could be employed, and the engraving faithfully represents the original. Figs. 89, 90, 91, and 92 are common forms of the instrument; and Fig. 93 is a mere stick, with a projection at the upper end for insertion into the hollow of the spear-end. Great leverage is obtained by this instrument. It is held in the manner shown in Fig. 94. In throwing the spear, the right hand is drawn backwards over the shoulder. It enables a man to throw a spear with much force and great accuracy. Its simplicity, and its perfect adaptation to the uses for which it is designed, strengthen one's belief in the natural genius of this people.
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| FIG. 94. |
The woods most commonly used for this instrument are Ballee (cherry-tree, Exocarpus cupressiformis), and Moeyang (blackwood).
When a Kur-ruk is broken, either by accident in the chase or in battle, the body is kept, and a new hook fitted to it. Sinews of the tail of the kangaroo and Pid-jer-ong enable the black to effect the repairs with ease.
It will be seen that in some of the weapons (Figs. 91 and 92) a tooth is fitted into the wood at the upper end. These have either been repaired in the manner above described, or, for greater convenience, originally so fashioned.
Dr. Gummow states that the natives of the Lower Murray call this instrument Moor-oona. At Lake Tyers it has nearly the same name as that given to it by the natives of the River Goulburn—Merri-wan.
Throw-sticks.
The natives of Australia have invented a number of leaf-shaped weapons, which are used as missiles, or for striking and cutting the enemy when at close quarters. Some of these appear to be modifications of the club, and others again bear a resemblance to the Wonguim or boomerang which, when thrown, returns to the thrower. The wooden swords are thrown sometimes in the excitement of battle; in some districts they are rarely used as swords, but most often as missiles; and, accordingly as they are most commonly employed by the different tribes, they are regarded either as swords or missiles.
Each kind of weapon is described in turn; and the reader will observe that there is an attempt made to establish a connection between the several classes of weapons, and to suggest in what manner such a missile as the boomerang may have been discovered by the natives of Australia.
