The Australian Bush, 417 



dogs of the old country. No one knows what a true companion 

 the dog is, and what a friend and servant he can become to man, 

 except he who has passed some years in a bush tent with no other 

 companion. 



But if the reader is desirous of knowing more about the chase of 

 the kangaroo and field sports of Australia than I have space for here, 

 I will refer him to my little Bush Wanderings, which, although '' I 

 say it that shouldn't," contains a better and truer account of bush life 

 and sporting in Victoria than any I have ever yet seen. The price is 

 moderate, only is. 6d., and the publisher is Warne. I shall deem 

 no apology necessary if I make a few quotations from that little 

 volume in the course of this chapter. 



While on the subject of kangaroo-hunting and books, I cannot 

 help telling the reader perhaps the greatest sell I ever had in my 

 hfe. 



Just after I came home from Austraha, I noticed an advertisement 

 in the paper, of a little work entitled " The Kangaroo Hunters," by 

 A. Bowman. " Bowman, Bowman !" I called to my mind all the old 

 kangaroo-hunters I had previously known in Victoria — and I fancied 

 I knew all in that district — but no such name as Bowman could 

 I recollect. " However," thought I, " it may be on ' t'other side j' 

 anyhow I'll have 3^. worth j" so the first large book shop I came to in 

 London, I went in and purchased the coveted treasure. " You'll find 

 it very useful to you if you're going out there, sir," was the comment 

 of the prim shopkeeper, as he wrapped up my book. I, however, was 

 not going out there 5 I had already served my apprenticeship; but I 

 hailed the little book as an old friend, and longed to travel through 

 its pages, and once again in imagination to hold sweet commune 

 with old companions and familiar scenes. I recollect I turned in 

 early that night in order thoroughly to enjoy the anticipated treat ; 

 for if ever I have a difficult passage to master, or happen to get 

 hold of a book of more than ordinary interest, I like to study it at 

 my ease in my bed. My little book was neatly got up, with pretty 

 illustrations ; but the very first picture which I turned to gave me a 

 little bit of an "eye-opener," and raised my suspicions. It was 



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