NATIVE BURIAL TREE.

To the right was what might be called an open glade; in the midst of it rose a tree the branches of which were laden with a most singular looking bundle or roll of pieces of wood.  Struck with its appearance, we rested on our oars to observe it;* but scarcely had we done so, when from a point higher up, that appeared to divide the river into two branches, rose a thick volume of smoke that soon filled the air, as if a huge black cloud had lighted on the earth in that direction.  We endeavoured to proceed in order to satisfy our curiosity, but a rocky ledge extending across the river arrested our further progress at this time of the tide.  Landing, accordingly, I advanced for nearer inspection, towards the huge bundle of sticks before mentioned.  It seemed almost like the nest of some new bird, and greatly excited my curiosity.  As I approached a most unpleasant smell assailed me; and on climbing up to examine it narrowly, I found that it contained the decaying body of a native.

(Footnote.  See the view annexed. )

Within the outer covering of sticks was one of net, with an inner one of the bark of the papyrus tree enveloping the corpse.  According to the singular practice of uncivilized people, of providing for the wants of those who have nothing more to do with earthly things, some weapons were deposited with the deceased in this novel kind of mortuary habitation; and a little beyond was a rill of water.

There was an air of loneliness in the spot, perfectly in keeping with the feelings this strange discovery naturally called forth; and from the few recent signs of the natives, it would appear that here, as in other parts of the continent, spots where the dead lie are kept sacred.  Some dark brown and black hawks were perched on the trees near, looking like so many mutes stationed to show respect to the departed; but their intentions were of a different character, as they were waiting, I imagine, for some friendly gust of wind to shake off the covering of the deceased.

EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION.

While we were making these observations, the conflagration on the point above continued to rage with great fury; and I have no doubt that it was kindled in order to attract our attention and prevent us from visiting this sacred spot.  Though we saw not the form of a living being, I am persuaded that the eyes of the natives were upon us, and that our every movement was watched.  The method they adopted to lure us away from the neighbourhood of the dead was simple and ingenious, and might have proved successful had not the interposing ledge of rocks prevented our further progress.  To effect their purpose they must have burnt up a very large space, as the smoke that arose obscured all that quarter of the heavens.  We observed also that the ground about the burial tree had been submitted to the flames, as if to keep away the few kangaroos that visit this spot.