Cirrus@Austlit

This article describes Overland Telegraph stations on the west coast of Cape York and discusses the contact workers have with nearby Aboriginal groups. Meston explains his method for recording Aboriginal languages. He describes the physiques of local Aboriginal men and praises the modesty and health of the women. He also describes spears and woomeras used in the area, and recounts his perilous meeting with a group of Aboriginal men. He discusses Aboriginal preparation of food from local plants, and silence as a punishment imposed for offences against traditional law. Vocabularies of Coen River and Archer River words are appended.