It valuable, but for its superior
certainty in damp or wet weather, its charge remaining uninjured
after days and weeks of interval, and even after immersion in water,
making it available when an ordinary piece would be useless. The
effect of the conical bullet too is much more sure and complete,
which, when arms 'must' be resorted to, is of great importance.
THE MARAMIE.
This shell-fish is to be found in almost all the Australian rivers
and lagoons. It is in size and appearance very much like the little
cray-fish or "Ecrevisses" which usually garnish the "Vol-au-vent" of
Parisian cookery, and of very delicate flavor.
SPINIGEX, Spear Grass, Needle Grass, or "Saucy Jack" ('Triodia Irritans.')
This grass, so well known to all Australian travellers, is a certain
indication of a sandy sterile country. The spinifex found in the
Mally scrubs of the south attains a great size, generally assuming
the appearance of a large tuft or bush from one to two feet in
diameter, and twelve to eighteen inches high. When old, its sharp
points, like those of so many immense darning needles set on end at
different angles, are especially annoying to horses, who never touch
it as food, except when forced by starvation.
