130 



The Gardens of the Sun. [ch. vi. 



walks. I was enabled to explore the island pretty well, 

 in which work the Hon. Dr. Leys very kindly assisted 

 me by the loan of his favourite horse "Joseph." This 

 animal was the most gentle and tractable creature imagin- 

 able, and admirably accustomed to jungle travelling, 

 since he would go anywhere among trees or bushes, and 



MASON WASP. 



might be trusted to stand quietly if tied; or he would 

 follow one like a dog if loose. He was of Australian 

 breed, and had his faults too. At the "whish" of a 

 whip or stick he was inclined to bolt, and once threw me 

 pretty heavily when frightened in that way. Another 

 trick he had was to stop suddenly at any place where he 

 had turned off the road, or had been tied before, and as 

 he would stop short or turn off thus suddenly when at 

 full gallop, the consequences which sometimes resulted 

 from such freaks may be readily imagined. With all his 



