We are informed that among the natives of New South Wales there is a great number of small tribes, each containing from forty to fifty individuals. "Each tribe has a certain beat, or hunting-ground, frequently of not more than twenty miles in diameter, from which they never move, unless on certain occasions when they visit the territory of a neighbouring tribe for the purpose of a fight, or a ceremony. Sometimes, the tribe will wander about in parties of five or ten; at other times all the members will encamp together."[407] In substituting the word _local group_ for _tribe_, we get here again a fairly good statement. [407] Henderson, _loc. cit._, p. 108. In the statements of Fraser we find again the local group; he calls it "sub-tribe." It derives its name from a certain locality, owns a tract of country, which is guarded jealously against any infringement from any of the neighbouring sub-tribes.[408] This statement is illustrated by an example, and therefore appears rather trustworthy.[409] [408] _Loc. cit._, p. 36. [409] _Loc. cit._, p. 37. "Each tribe is divided into independent families, which acknowledge no chief, and which inhabit in common a district within certain limits, generally not exceeding above ten or twelve miles on any side." The tribes number from 100 to 300.[410] "The families belonging to a tribe meet together upon occasions of festivals at certain seasons, and also to consult upon all important occasions."[411] The first phrase is not clear: we are not told whether what he calls the tribe owns its area in common, or whether the divisions called "independent families" possess each its own district. From the context, however, we see that we must assume the latter. Three hundred people occupy in Australia usually more than a hundred square miles. [410] Port Stephens tribe. R. Dawson, pp. 326, 327. [411] _Ibid._, compare also p. 63. Hodgkinson, speaking of the tribes between Port Macquarie and Moreton Bay, says that the tribes (local groups) keep each within very narrow limits. The district of each of them measures about 150 square miles; usually some ten to twelve miles of a river bank and the adjoining hinterland. "The whole body of a tribe is never united on the same spot, unless on some important occasion. They are more generally divided into small parties of eight or ten men, with their women and children, for the greater convenience of hunting, etc., and these detached companies roam over any part of the country within the prescribed limits of the main tribe to which they belong."[412] This statement agrees with the general type of information. [412] Hodgkinson, _loc. cit._, p. 222.