Letter from John Bulmer 28 April 1881

Transcription - Page 2

[column 1]

Murray. I have questioned
Jenny Cooper & Billy McDougall
and they tell me they do not
remember any special
stick but that one was used
in that same way as on the
Murray and that the Corroborie
comes from the Melbourne side
it was first performed at Sale
Sending pipe clay day only
referred to the Kurnai. I do
not remember any being sent
on the Murray for that purpose
though they would send it
as an article of exchange to
tribes when they had some.

The formal messages
only referred to the Waimbio
I have not seen it among
the Kurnai but the fact
is the Kurnai have not
followed their natural habits

[column 2]

for many years.
I will try to get all the
information as to gesture language
I dare say it will be very
interesting, Lamby is not
here at present, but the
blankets are coming that
will stir the old fellow
up to his duties!
I believe the blacks used
to have a great many
gestures to express what
they meant, though McDougall
seems to know very little
about them but the old
fellows will.

With kind regards to Mrs
Howitt
I remain
faithfully yours
John Bulmer