Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/530

 72 Waljăp, s.—Stem of the Xanthorea, or Grass-tree flower. It is this stem or rather stick, which serves the natives to produce fire by friction. This is done by rapidly twirling between the hands one piece of the stick within a hole cut in another piece placed upon the ground, and retained in its position by the feet; the operation being assisted by the dry furry material of the withered seed-head laid in the hole, and which very soon smokes and ignites. The length of the stem varies from 8 feet up to 10 feet, and the thickness from that of a man's finger up to that of a man's wrist: the flowering part is often 4 or 5 feet long. The flower contains much honey in the proper season.

Wallăk-wallăk, ad.—Separately; in part; divided; individually as wallăk-wallăk yonga, to divide among several persons; to give to each separately or individually.

Wallak-ijou, v.—To change.

Wallak-yonga, v.—To give in portions; to share; to divide.

Wallăng—(K.G.S.) The seed of a parasite which bears a red flower.

Wallarra, ad.—Carelessly; without looking—as wallarra murrijobin, walking along without looking.

Walle, v.—To cry; to shed tears; to wail.

Wallu, s.—An interval or open space between two points or objects; the division of the hair when parted on the top of the head; partial baldness; morning twilight; the interval between night and day.

Waly-adi, a.—Tall; long; ungainly.

Wal-yal, s.—The lungs. Instances of death from diseased lungs have been seen among them, but are not of very frequent occurrence. They generally recover from the effect of a spear-wound in the lungs.

Wal-yo, s.—The Kangaroo-rat. An animal nearly as large as a wild rabbit, tolerably abundant, and very good for eating. The natives take them by driving a spear in the nest, sometimes transfixing two at once, or by jumping upon the nest, which is formed of leaves and grass upon the ground.

Wăndang, v.—Pres. part., Wandangwin; past tense, Waudangăgga. To wear or carry on the back.

Wando, s.—Eucalyptus; the white gum-tree. In hollow trees of this sort, water is frequently retained, which forms the only resource for natives in summer, in many districts. It is discovered by a discoloration of the bark. A hole is opened with a hammer and carefully closed again.

Wan-do-na, s.—A species of insect.

Wangadan, v.—Pres. part., Wangadanin; past tense, Wangadanăgga. To scream out; to cry loudly for help. Compounded of wangow to speak, and dan or dtan (so as) to pierce (the ear).

Wang-en, a.—Alive; well; in health.

Wanggi-ma, s.—The satin-bird.

Wan-go, s.—The upper part of the arm from the elbow to the shoulder; a species of snake particularly liked as food by the aborigines.