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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Daily movements

Daily movements.

Their daily movements are arranged by the old men each night, and are strictly adhered to. This enables them when scattered about during the day to know where to find each other if necessary. Occasionally these arrangements are upset, and fresh orders are suddenly issued. This may be caused by various reasons. It may be in consequence of a dream which some of them have had. Under these circumstances an immediate stampede is considered necessary. No time is lost in packing up all their worldly goods; these consist of old dirty clothes and blankets, tin pots, and all sorts of rubbish, which are crammed into their nets with puppy dogs, occasionally cats and kittens, half-cooked food, &c. These loads are carried by the women, who, surrounded by numbers of half-starved, mangy dogs, of all sizes and ages, stagger along under their burden. On these occasions, to facilitate their movements, young children are frequently destroyed by being dashed against a tree and then thrown away. The men carry a spear or tomahawk only. These women would rather sacrifice a child than a dog. I have seen them suckling puppies in turn with their infants.

Should any blackfellow be absent and consequently not aware of this stampede, marks are made on a tree, or a branch is broken, so as to attract attention, and the impression of a foot is made in some soft part of the ground close by, the toes being deeply impressed in the soil, and pointing in the direction the others have taken. These blacks can identify the tracks of any of their companions, and recognise a stranger's footprint at once.