This Man Knew A Few English Words, And Spoke The
Language Of Darling Downs; He Seemed To Be Familiar With The Country
Round Jimba; And Asked Permission To Come To The Camp:
This, however, I
did not permit; and they entered the scrub, when they saw us handle our
guns, and bring forward two horses to the camp.
On the 3rd of November
they visited us again, and communicated with us, behaving in a very
friendly way: they pointed out honey in one of the neighbouring trees,
assisted in cutting it out and eating it, and asked for tobacco; it was,
however, impossible to make any presents, as we had nothing to spare.
They particularly admired the red blankets, were terror-struck at the
sight of a large sword, which they tremblingly begged might be returned
into the sheath, and wondered at the ticking of a watch, and at the
movement of its wheels. The greater part were young men of mild
disposition, and pleasing countenance; the children remained in the
distance, and I only saw two women.
According to their statements, the scrub extends to the Condamine.
The scrub was crossed in every direction by tracks of wallabies, of
which, however, we could not even get a sight. The glucking bird - by
which name, in consequence of its note, the bird may be
distinguished - was heard through the night. They live probably upon the
seeds of the cypress-pine; the female answers the loud call of the male,
but in a more subdued voice.
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