Magic stones of the tribes east and north-east of Lake Eyre.

Any stone that was unusual was picked up by the tribes- man and sooner or later was endowed with magical qualities.
To the native, there was no effect without a cause, so anything which occurred without a reasonable explanation was thought to be caused by the stones, which then became known as magic stones.
Another misconception the natives held was that if the stones could be dissolved they would create rain. This misconception arose, most likely from the discovery of a piece of ice, shaped like a stone that melted once the temperature rose. They believed that the melted stone had caused the rain.
Includes plates.