82 



IN AUSTRALIAN WILDS 



ing and swishing sounds. Now and then a limb 

 sprang at us like a relaxed bow, and some smart cuts 

 on the hand reminded me of schooldays. We passed 

 near a block on which a Mallee roller was at work, 

 flattening the scrub for burning off. This is the first 



BEARDED DRAGON OR JEW LIZARD. 



phase of clearing; next the roots (famous fuel) are 

 grubbed from the ground, which is then ready for the 

 plough. 



When we halted for lunch, far from the outpost 

 of settlement, my companion formed a sun-shelter by 

 stretching a dust-rug between four long stems of a 

 gum tree. Even in shadow, the heat was sweltering 

 perhaps a thermometer would have topped the cen- 

 tury. Heat, flies and mosquitoes formed a trio of dis- 

 comforts. And yet, I was content. Out here in the 

 wild scrub the charms of solitude were realised. 



