THE OVERLANDER 193 



mand sterling qualities. On him all depends. Does 

 he lack any essential attribute ? The undertaking will 

 fail disastrously ; the stock will die en route, or be lost, 

 will never reach their destination, or reach it reduced 

 in numbers. He must be constantly vigilant over both 

 his stock and his hands. His eye must be ever on his 

 men, who, Avithout his incessant supervision, would 

 lose their heads, neglect their duties, go wrong, or fail. 

 The ideal Overlander must have an iron constitution, 

 like all pioneers. He must be acclimatised to all weather, 

 and ready to face all vicissitudes. He is ever watching 

 over, thinldng, dreaming of, his flock or herd. He is 

 a prey to racking anxiety. The strain on both mind 

 and body is tremendous, and is never lifted. Few could 

 endure it for many years ; if it lasted long, it would drive 

 them mad. 



The Overlander is active and hardy, and has remark- 

 able energy and endurance. He has large practical 

 knowledge of all things connected with stock. He is 

 endowed with quick perceptions and a sound judgment, 

 not rash or hasty, but, when he has matured his plans, 

 decisive. He must have the power of command, be 

 firm and yet kindly, and know men. His behaviour 

 must be exemplary. 



He must be a thorough bushman — apt at finding a 

 track and at picking it up again when it is lost. He 

 knows where water is to be found, and he is an adept 

 at handling his thirsty stock when they rush madly 

 towards a newly found water-hole. He is no less quah- 

 fied to cope with the minor difficulties that beset the 

 travelling stockowner. 



The Overlander might have six men for driving the 

 cattle and the horses, while an overseer and two men 

 would drive the sheep. The men might be young, 

 and " greenhorns at driving cattle." Then the boss 

 had to be active, day and night. Sometimes a guide had 

 to be employed, as across the Snowy Mountains, over 

 " a dreadful route." Over a mountainous, scrubby, 

 and boggy tableland, with a running stream in every 



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