A DROVE OF BULLOCKS. 243 



when crossing, thus afford a manure obtained by a 

 clearance of the neighbouring jungle. 



From these causes, columns of smoke were, as I 

 have said, frequent and prominent characteristics of 

 the scenery. 



The only sign of intercourse and communication 

 between the different valleys connected by the wild 

 track the sportsmen were pursuing, was a small 

 drove of diminutive bullocks, across the pack-saddle 

 of each of which was balanced a sack laden with 

 either grain or charcoal. 



At the unusual apparition of horsemen, and, more 

 particularly, of white-faced horsemen, the leading 

 bullock stopped dead, and stared. Meeting on the 

 narrow road, one party would naturally have to 

 make way for the other ; and when the drovers 

 observed the Englishmen, they attempted to shove 

 some of the rear bullocks out of the path, so as to 

 allow the gentlemen room to pass. The latter, too, 

 were willing to turn aside into the jungle, and let 

 the drove proceed. But the leading bullock soon 

 settled the question. After a hearty stare, it sud- 

 denly wheeled round and dashed into the jungle, 

 upsetting its load, and kicking up its heels in delight 

 at the riddance. The second was not slow to follow, 

 and in a very brief space, with the exception of the 

 last two or tliree, who were hustled aside, the entire 



