Page:The Aborigines of Victoria and Riverina.djvu/90

85 the natives' many high encomiums on its exceeding great merit. 

CHAPTER X

THE ABORIGINAL MODES OF FISHING BY HOOK AND LINE, AND BY DIVING AFTER THE FISH AND SPEARING THEM UNDER WATER; BAIT USED FOR THE HOOK, AND HOW PROCURED.

One morning just before dawn, in the month of March, after having made all the necessary arrangements the night previous for a day's sport with the aborigines of the Lower Murrry [sic] River, we were roused from our peaceful slumbers and pleasant dreams by old King Pinbocoroo rapping at our window, and with no gentle voice shouting pykie, pykie (get up, get up). Sorely loth, we tumbled out of the sheets, shook ourselves into our raiment, and joined the hoary-headed king, whom we found awaiting our advent with ill-concealed impatience. As our preparations had all been made over night, we had nothing to do but accompany the patriarchal Pinbocoroo to his camp, from whence the fishing party was to start. When we reached the camp it was all astir. Men and women were bustling from the camp to the canoes on the river, backwards and forwards, carrying the necessary implements, lines, spears, &c., which would be required during the day's expedition. Chubby little balls of ebon-hued humanity rolled about, too, in every one's way, thereby materially assisting to swell the almost unbearable