On the Wallaby Track 77 



erally knows the country well; possesses a ready 

 tact in dealing with station-owners, managers, 

 store-keepers, and cooks, which ensures full 

 tucker- bags; and adds to his fare by considerable 

 skill in fishing and trapping. He also knows 

 where work is likely to be obtained, and it must 

 be said for him that, having once gained employ- 

 ment, he is as industrious and versatile a labourer 

 as could be found anywhere on the face of the 

 earth. Shearing, fencing, tank-digging, horse- 

 breaking, and a score of other accomplishments 

 are at the tips of his fingers, and yet this handy- 

 man of the bush can only expect partial employ- 

 ment. Few swagmen are in work for more than 

 six months out of the twelve. 



His real weakness is disclosed when the work 

 is over, and with a good cheque in his pocket, he 

 once more rolls his swag and turns his face to the 

 east and home. He knows by past experience 

 that his only chance of making that fresh start in 

 life of which he so often talks is to keep his 

 cheque intact until he reaches his destination. 

 But the bush public-house, with the grinning, 

 obsequious landlord, and the girl smirking behind 

 the bar, proves an irresistible attraction. Just a 

 drink or so resolves itself into a day's steady 

 soaking. The cheque passes into the keeping of 

 the landlord, and when the bushman finally re- 

 gains sobriety, after a week's steady spreeing, it 

 is only to learn that he has spent all his earnings 

 except a very small balance. With curses upon 



