Page:The Native Tribes of South Australia (1879).djvu/307

 CUSTOMS AND CEREMONIES. 229 and shouting "Pú, Pú." Instantly, all the women of the class that the pardnapa happens to belong to, whether matteri, or karraru, jump up, and (apparently with reluctance, but in reality gladly and joyfully), each touches the shoulders and necks of the men of the same class, in order to express their entire approval of the men’s intention, to raise a boy of their class to a higher station in life. The women are then directed to move on, while the men tarry behind to procure green boughs; and on their overtaking the women, they trot past them in a line, keeping the pardnapa in the middle, waving their boughs and shouting "Pú, Pú." They then separate again, the women to gather roots or fruits and the men to hunt; which appears to be an essential part of the ceremony. A scrubby district is chosen, and effectually scoured by an extensive line of the hunters; and great numbers of wallaby and rats fall by their well-aimed waddies. The pardnapa, although present, takes no part in the hunt; but goes unarmed. About noon they retire to the nearest watering-place, and after roasting and consuming the game, the pardnapa is ordered to withdraw, accompanied by those lads who last underwent the same ceremony. A circumciser (Yulli) is then appointed; some of the company cover themselves with dust, biting their beards, grunting, and leaping wildly about, suddenly seize on one of the number present, place him on their shoulders, and carry him a little distance; where they lay him down on his back, and with great earnestness endeavour to persuade him to undertake the office. As it appears to be considered an honour by the natives, to be chosen for one of the offices connected with their ceremonies, it is generally conferred on a visitor from a distance should one be present, who, with pretended reluctance, pleads many reasons why he should not have been appointed, such as "want of skill or nerve to perform, the cruel operation," that he "came to see his friends, and by no means expected to have been thus distinguished," &c., all of which is easily overruled by the general voice, as it appears to proceed more from custom than real modesty. A tree of moderate height is then divested of its branches, and one of the men takes his place in the fork of