[1] Kamilaroi and Kurnai, p. 169.

[2] Travels, ii. 225.

[3] Lang, Lecture on Natives of Australia, p. 10.


There are two points in the arrangements of these stocks of kindred
named from plants and animals which we shall find to possess a high
importance. No member of any such kindred may marry a woman of the
same name and descended from the same object.[1] Thus no man of
the Emu stock may marry an Emu woman; no Blacksnake may marry a
Blacksnake woman, and so forth. This point is very strongly put by
Mr. Dawson, who has had much experience of the blacks. "So
strictly are the laws of marriage carried out, that, should any
sign of courtship or affection be observed between those 'of one
flesh,' the brothers or male relatives of the woman beat her
severely." If the incestuous pair (though not in the least related
according to our ideas) run away together, they are "half-killed";
and if the woman dies in consequence of her punishment, her partner
in iniquity is beaten again. No "eric" or blood-fine of any kind
is paid for her death, which carries no blood-feud. "Her
punishment is legal."[2] This account fully corroborates that of
Sir George Grey.[3]


[1] Taplin, The Nerrinyeri. p. 2. "Every tribe, regarded by them
as a family, has its ngaitge, or tutelary genius or tribal symbol,