Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/505

 47 bend or curve than the other. It is held by the longer handle, and on stiff soils is thrown so as to strike the ground with one end, about ten or twelve yards from the thrower, whence it rebounds into the air with a rapid rotary motion, and after having performed a long circumgyration, frequently in two circles, or like the figure 8, it returns nearly to the spot whence it was thrown. It seems to be as much a weapon for treachery as of direct attack. When the eye is diverted by its motions, the opportunity is taken to strike with the spear. They are much valued by the natives, and not readily parted with. This weapon offers a faint clue by which the origin of the people might possibly be traced. The use of curved or angular weapons, is said to have been known to several nations of remote antiquity. The possession of such an implement by the Australian savage, would go to prove an early communication with some more civilised people, or the enjoyment of a much higher degree of knowledge among themselves, before they relapsed into their present state of utter barbarism. The same may be said of the Miro, or throwing-board for the spear. It is sometimes used also to throw at birds.

Kyn, a.—(Northern dialect.) One.

Kynkar—(K.G.S.) A father.

Kyn-ya, s.—Soul; spirit.

Kypbi, s.—Water. This is most probably the true word, of which Gabbi is our corrupt pronunciation. At King George's Sound, where the language is for the most part that of Perth reduced to monosyllables, Kyp, is water; as Kat is the head, instead of Katta, and Kal is fire, instead of Kalla.

M

Ma-ap, s.—The spleen.

Mabo, s.—The skin of men and animals; the bark of trees.

Madăp, s.—Fungus of the white gum tree, used for tinder.

Madja, s.—Hæmadorum paniculatum, an edible root.

Mădji, s.—Rope; string.

Madjinda, s.—The carpet snake; very venomous.

Madjit, s.—A species of shark.

Madjit-til, s.—(K.G.S.) The magic stone of the shark. These are pieces of crystal supposed to possess supernatural powers; some of them are much more celebrated than others. None but the native sorcerers will touch them.

Madto, s.—The green-backed crane.

Madun, s.—The small squirrel-like opossum.

Maggo—(Vasse.) Naked.

Măggoro, s.—The winter of Western Australia, including the months of June and July. It follows Burnoru, and is followed by Jilba. At this period of the year cobbler-fish abound, and the mullet become blind, occasioned, it is supposed, by the superabundant mixture of the fresh water with the salt water in the estuaries. These fish are then said to be Melbămbalagadak—Mel, an eye; Bambala, a film or cataract; and Gadak, possessing.

