72 THE HUNTERS ARCADIA. 



colonial natives, or picked up in the vicinity of the 

 mission stations, could so much be said of them ? 

 No ! So much for our boasted civilisation and 

 teaching. 



It w r ould require the brush of a Rembrandt to 

 render justice to such a scene as this camp-fire pre- 

 sents, and the scene is quite worthy of the pencil 

 of that Great Master. 



From the near shadows the outlines of our nags 

 are seen, clothed, it is true ; still a judge of horse- 

 flesh can see at a glance how many good points they 

 possess. With what contentment they thrust their 

 muzzles to the bottom of their nose-bags, so as not 

 to lose a grain of their mealies ; but, at the same 

 time, their eyes and ears are all intent on what is 

 passing around them. 



In the distance, and almost out of sight, because 

 they are so far off, in a double row, stand or lie the 

 patient yet obstinate bullocks. They are pretty 

 beasts to look at, quite as much so as any you will 

 see at home ; indeed, from the excessive largeness 

 and intelligence of their eyes, I think that they are 

 often more attractive. Their life is not always an 

 easy one, and their punishment is often too severe ; 



