Jupiter, moved by pity, prevented the matricide by
transforming the son into a bear, and took them both up to the heavens,
where they were placed among the constellations.
CROCODILE CATCHING
Though they have a wholesome dread of crocodiles generally, the blacks
of the Lower Tully River (some 5 miles down the coast) have, in a
limited circle, the reputation of indulging in the sport of catching
them for food. Natives of the locality tell me that the last occasion of
the death of a crocodile in the manner to be described was very many
years ago. Some would have you believe the practice is of common
occurrence. The story goes (though for its truth I do not vouch), that
having located a crocodile in a reach of the river when the tide has run
out, the blacks form a cordon across, and harry it by splashing the
water and maintaining a continuous commotion. The crocodile is poked out
of secluded nooks beside the bank and from under submerged logs, never
being allowed a moment's peace. When it is thoroughly cowed (and it is
an undoubted fact that crocodiles may be frightened into passiveness), a
rope of lawyer vine is passed round a convenient tree and held by half a
dozen boys, while a running noose is made on the other end.
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