WILD CATTLE. 317 



of the herds are always singled out, and after a 

 desperate and trying gallop over a rugged country, 

 the huntsman finds himself going stride for 

 stride alongside one of these Kings of the Forest, 

 and wondering how an animal so ungainly in his gait, 

 can get over the country at such a pace. Jumping 

 over fallen trees, and dodging round others, he at 

 last finds himself on a clear spot, when drawing a 

 pistol from his holster, and riding up so as almost 

 to touch the animal's side, he lodges a well directed 

 ball just behind the fore shoulder. This is the 

 most critical moment. Great command of your 

 horse is required ; for the bull, if not mortally 

 wounded, turns suddenly half mad with rage on his 

 pursuer, and puts his nerves and judgment to a 

 severe test. 



On these occasions almost incredible feats of 

 horsemanship are performed ; and nearly precipitous 

 slopes are descended. I have seen similar exploits 

 nowhere but in Chile, where horses are ridden down 

 the sides of frightful ravines on their haunches at 

 half speed for bets ; but in that country the severity 

 of the bit gives the rider a power over his steed 

 unknown elsewhere. 



We crossed the Williams river, about fifteen miles 

 S.W. from Stroud, and after nearly another hour's 

 ride came to a place called Wallaroba. I was here 

 doomed to experience the only instance of incivility 

 I ever found in Australia. It was late in the after- 

 noon of a cold blustering day, and having break- 

 fasted early, we were prompted to test the hospi- 



