Page:Two Representative Tribes of Queensland.djvu/95

Rh In the evening, before retiring, they would squat by the fire or lie awake discoursing, or indulging in a quiet corroboree. On occasions there would be bad blood in the camp, and accusations and retorts would be volubly poured forth in stentorian tones late into the night, followed, perhaps, by the clatter of weapons used in single combat. They were great at invective and wordy strife.

There was much of interest to be observed on visiting a camp. The family could be witnessed at their rather irregular meal. They might be regaling themselves on the eucalyptus-flavoured opossum, the leg of a kangaroo, or the tender, white flesh of a snake. A joint would be placed on the fire, and as it became partially cooked, it would be taken up by the head of the house, who, after helping himself to a few mouthfuls, would be followed by his wife, and then one after another of the children would take a bite in turn, whereupon it would be replaced at the fire. No doubt, eaten in this way the gravy would be delicious, and the adhering ashes would give the zest of salt. Large game, like emus, was cooked in