Mock combats frequently take place amongst them, in which they are encouraged by the adults, that they may acquire the dexterities of warfare, in which they are soon to be more seriously engaged.

[Note 64: For an account of a similar practise among the American Indians, vide Catlin, vol.1.p.

131.] An amusement of the adults, is a large bunch of emu feathers tied together, (fig.1.Pl.

1.) which is held out and shaken as if in defiance, by some individual, whilst the others advance to try to take it out of his hands.

This occasions an amusing struggle before the prize is gained, in which it is not uncommon to see from ten to twenty strong and lusty men rolling in a heap together.