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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Gumyahs or huts

Gumyahs or huts.

The huts are put together only on the approach of rain or during cold, windy weather. They are readily constructed. A sapling is cut half through at the height of 3 or 4 feet and the top bent over so as to rest on the ground, or in a forked stick, or against a tree, according to circumstances; thus it forms a ridge pole along which boughs or sheets of bark are ranged; a shelter for the night or protection from a storm is provided in a few minutes. When shelter of a more permanent character is required greater care is taken. The ridge pole is often supported on forked sticks, or the gunyah partakes of a semicircular form. A fire always occupies the lee side of the hut, which is never completely enclosed. When lined with dried grass and the crevices stopped up to keep out the cold wind they appear comfortable enough. They never keep up very large fires, so it often happens on a cold night when a black is too lazy to replenish it that he eventually coils himself up upon the warm ground where the fire had been. A sudden change of wind will destroy a whole encampment in a few minutes.