Homesteading 



now reached a stage when horses prevailed at 

 such gatherings, those who had them picking 

 up their less fortunate friends. 



The company consisted mostly of men, but 

 there was a good sprinkling of women and children 

 too. A few came on horseback, and the total 

 numbered probably some seventy to eighty, with 

 twelve or fourteen vehicles. 



Teams were unhitched and tethered to wagons 

 under the lee of neighbouring bluffs, and the 

 company prepared to enjoy themselves in various 

 ways. 



The womenfolk had prepared an excellent 

 supply of good things for the inner man, and 

 there was a booth for the supply of soft drinks, 

 i.e. non-intoxicants, also candy and other things 

 for the children, while the bachelors made their 

 contributions in cash. 



There was football for the young men, also 

 foot-races for men and children, not omitting a 

 very popular one for women, or such as had enough 

 vigour to engage in it. The younger men tried 

 their strength, too, at throv/ing the heavy stones, 

 and finally, there was a very popular horse and 

 pony race. The elders found much interest in 

 talking politics and of the prospects of the har- 

 vest, that ever-important topic. 



One of the charms which usually mark such 



no 



