Notes by Howitt on Kulin from Barak

Transcription - Page 21

13
It is significant in all these
stories – no sign is visible of the victim
having been cut open. It is said
"they shut him up again”. There can
be no doubt that these stories refer to
“nightmare” – although there can be
perhaps as little doubt also that many
a one has fallen a victim to
this practice in actual reality.

William said he remembered an
old man being “caught” in the
manner described (and dying
in consequence) — by the Jajowrong Blacks.
Further that the old man went as far
as Lilydale from [where - crossed out] the scene of
the event (his dream?) and then died.

When a man died and there was
no Wirirap present to tell them who
had killed him – his friends dug a grave
which they carefully swept out and examined
for a small hole going downwards. A small
stick put down it showed the direction,
and in that direction the male relatives
went until they met some man – whom
they killed him to avenge the dead.

William gave this illustration: —
“When they had covered up the body
in the grave the old men would say
— now go on and when you have killed
a man – do not plant him – but
lay him out on a log so that people
can see him and know better
another time than to kill one of
our men” - then the killed man's
friends when they find him will be
very much frightened”.

[written in left side margin]

grave = Tham-bŭr