atter's agents in town and sent up to
the station, whence they are frequently removed to these outposts; but
when such is the case, they are generally of a more sociable
disposition, and take an early opportunity of being removed to the
comfort and social intercourse of the head station. Though in this
removal they entail more constant and arduous occupation, they willingly
embrace the labour, and leave the indolence of their vacated posts, to
be enjoyed by some "old hand" whose mind has been broken by the
depressing influence of constant punishment, and whose hopes have been
blighted by a constant penal servitude. As this class of men is happily
disappearing from the country, and giving place to steady and
persevering immigrants, the charge of an out-station, when not in the
hands of one with the old leaven of improvidence unexterminated,
necessarily becomes the probationary lot of a "new chum."

The two men, with whom our travellers found themselves located, were
something of the first mentioned class; and, to give our readers some
idea of their characters, we will venture to encroach upon their
patience, by recounting an epitome of the conversation that was started
after the evening repast.

"Have you been long in this part of the country?" asked John of the
shepherd.

"Why no, sir, I ain't been so very long," replied the man; "I've got
about three months to make up my year with Mr. Smithers. I came over
from New England, and agreed for twelve months, and I like this country
far better than the south, it ain't so cold nor so wet."

"Then, I suppose, you will retain your place, and renew your engagement
when your year is up?"

"Well, you see, sir, I don't exactly know about that 'ere; after being
up in the bush a while one likes to get down the country a bit, just to
see what's going on, and to spend one's money."

"But, my good man, what necessity is there for you to go away from the
station? If you want to see any change, I've no doubt Mr. Smithers would
find you employment at the head station; and you might allow your wages
to accumulate, until you had sufficient to purchase some sheep of your
own."

"I don't know about that, sir; I expect it would be a precious long time
before I would have enough to buy a flock of sheep: and besides, if I
had any, I wouldn't know what to do with them; I shouldn't be allowed to
graze 'em on other folk's runs; and, after slaving away for I don't know
how long, I reckon I s