Page:The Aborigines of Victoria and Riverina.djvu/175

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170

alone), and indeed every ailment by which they are attacked from time to time, as well, are attributed to the magical power possessed by the Bangals, and all the arguments and ridicule in creation will not cause them to alter their belief one iota.

When discussing the matter with them, and to prove the imposture of their Bangals, we have offered ourselves as subjects to be practised upon by any Bangal they might choose, telling them that it would not be necessary to complete the process, the mere fact of our being made slightly unwell would be proof to us, perfectly conclusive, that their Bangah were all they claimed them to be.

Our fair offer to them seemed so absurd they merely laughed at us, saying, "Bumbuma Wirrumpoola Ngenic (stupid ears you) too much you white fellow. Not that one Bangal belonging to you. What for you Bumbuma poorp?" (stupid head.)

CHAPTER XXI.


PHILOLOGY.


According to various philologists the structural basis of most primitive tongues is to be found in sounds and sights in nature, and in natural feelings. Thus the sounds noticed most frequently as arising from the wind blowing through some medium is likely to be adopted as its (the wind's) nomenclature; the same rule holds good with regard to the naming of animals, they being usually designated by their respective calls.