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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Opossum

Opossum.

The opossum generally makes its nest high up in the hollow of a tree, and to obtain it is the duty of the tree-climber. The existence of one of these animals in a tree is readily detected by the practised eye of the black, who closely examines the marks made on the bark by its claws. If the branch where the nest is is not too large, it is cut off, otherwise a hole is made immediately where the opossum is, when it is dragged out by the tail and at once hit on the head and thrown to the ground, as its bite is very severe and might endanger the man's safety on the tree. Frequently a fire is made in the hollow tree or limb, and so the unfortunate animal is driven out.

In exposed positions, such as low points of land, projecting into a lake or river, the blacks hide behind screens made of boughs for hours together, waiting the arrival of waterfowl. Ducks and other birds are usually knocked down by the boomerang or by a stick. The ancient Egyptians used the same means, as depicted by their paintings of 3,000 years ago.

Snakes they prefer to kill for themselves, as a snake when wounded or cannot escape will bite, and no doubt poison itself. Bandicoots, kangaroo rats, &c., are welcome.

Fish are not only caught by means of a spear, but are also secured in weirs. These weirs are made in suitable places, by means of a fence of the branches of trees being woven in with page 55 mangrove bushes. Many fish are entrapped and speared as the tide recedes. Fish are often speared at night-time. A black will wade out in shallow water, and the fish, attracted by the light of a fire-stick which he carries, are easily speared.

The root of the "minmoi" or gigantic lily, as well as the nuts of the zamia, are sometimes eaten. Both of these require preparation before being used. According to the blacks, the "minmoi" causes intense agony to the eater, if not properly prepared; the stomach swelling to an enormous extent, and eventually bursting, so that the bowels escape. The zamia nut is crushed, and then soaked in water for some days, by which means an essential oil is got rid of. Arrowroot of a fine quality can be made from these nuts.

These blacks cannot always depend upon having a breakfast before leaving their camp of a morning. When the dew is well off the ground, they may be seen starting off in different directions to seek whatever they can obtain in the way of food. The married men are always accompanied by their wives and numerous mangy dogs. Their breakfast consists of the first game obtained, and may be anything. These separate parties often meet during the day, when they cook much of the game, have a rest, a talk, a smoke, and then start off again on their catering expeditions. As evening approaches they return towards the camp, slackening their pace and approaching it cautiously as though some "devil-devil" might possibly be in possession. When all have arrived, the gins leisurely open their nets or bags and draw forth the result of the day's sport, for they are compelled to carry everything obtained during the day, with the exception perhaps of a kangaroo or emu. This they immediately proceed to divide, apparently in the most liberal manner. Perhaps a whole opossum is thrown across to some one, or it may be cut in halves or quarters and then divided, whilst snakes, iguanas, birds, fish, in fact everything is thrown from one to the other, no doubt in repayment for similar loans on previous occasions. There is no grumbling; each one seems perfectly satisfied with what he or she receives.* Most page 56 of the game obtained throughout the day is wholly or partially cooked before it comes to camp; by this means it keeps better, especially during hot weather.

* Mr. Edward Lamb stated in explanation of this apparently complicated mode of dividing food, that independently of a child being named after the first thing edible, either birds, animal, fish, &c., seen after its birth, that this article of food is "taboo" to the youngster, who cannot partake of it; consequently an exchange of food is necessary. This statement, however, only partly explains the arrangement, for the "taboo" is removed at the age of puberty, when the youngster receives another or rather a second name. I have seen this division of food made amongst full-grown blacks who were allowed to eat anything.

By the kindness of Commander Sadleir, I have been favoured with the perusal of a paper entitled "Notes on the Australian Class Systems," by Mr. A. W. Howitt, being a reprint from the journal of the Anthropological Institute, May, 1883. From this I have no doubt that the name given to the infant at its birth is the "Totem" or distinguishing name, and enables the elders or wise men to classify the young members of a tribe, and make marital or betrothal arrangements.