rd, and the herd was permitted to scatter wherever it
liked. The draft animals were then taken in charge by the stockmen and
started on the road to Melbourne; perhaps I ought to say that they were
started for the nearest railway station and completed their journey with
the aid of steam.

"By the time the drafting was completed the sun was past the meridian,
and Harry and I were as 'hungry as hunters,' to use the old expression.
We thought we would have to ride back to the station to get our
luncheon, and were agreeably disappointed when we found that a black
fellow had just arrived with a hamper, or rather a bag of provisions,
tied behind his saddle. Our host led the way to a well-shaded nook where
there was a spring of water, and we gathered around the spring at the
indication of our host, and prepared to do justice to the food that had
made such a welcome appearance.

"A fire was kindled near by, and soon a steaming pot of tea was ready.
Tin cups made their appearance along with tin plates and knives and
forks, and I had a realizing sense of the delicious taste of a cup of
tea in the open air when one is hungry. The luncheon was a cold one, but
it was abundantly satisfying, and we thanked our host for his
thoughtfulness in providing it.

"When we were near the end of our meal, one of the stockmen came in and
said something in a low tone to Mr. Syme.

"The latter nodded briefly, and said, 'All right,' and then the stockman
went away.

"Then Mr. Syme remarked, turning to us:--

"'On our way back to the station we'll go by a different road, and I
think I can show you something that will be new to you.'

"He said nothing more, and left us to wonder what the new sight would
be.

"I forgot to mention that when we started from the station we were
accompanied by several dogs. They had a good time ranging around over
the plain and through the forest after the manner of dogs when let
loose, and seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. They were large and
rather lank animals, and capable of making high speed when necessary. We
asked our entertainer what they were specially used for, and were told
that the animals were kangaroo dogs.

"'We use them for hunting kangaroos,' said the young man who
accompanied me; 'and a well-trained kangaroo dog is a valuable piece of
property to have. The kangaroo is an ungainly looking creature, but he
can get over the ground with wonderful rapidity. He goes fourteen or
sixteen feet at a