ainder of
his guests.

In society such as this, where restraint is unknown, and cordiality and
hospitality reign supreme, it is not to be wondered at that our friends
speedily found themselves at home; nor that their own prospects were
canvassed by their new friends, with a zeal and freedom that would be
considered unpardonable impertinence in the more settled and formal
circles of the "old country." From the information obtained from the
more experienced settlers, the Fergusons derived considerable benefit;
and their friends' directions and opinions of the country, being, in the
estimation of the young men, likely to be valuable, they determined to
allow themselves, in a great measure, to be guided by them.

The evening, enlivened by an occasional dance, music, and lively
conversation, was passed exceedingly pleasantly by the brothers; who
were perfectly delighted with their kind reception; and sadly regretted
their inability to comply with their kind host's repeated entreaties to
extend their visit. Mr. Dawson informed them that those pleasing
reunions, had become quite numerous in that part of the country; where
the degree of familiar and friendly intercourse established among the
neighbouring families was such, that, after the bustle and occupation of
shearing time was over, such a party, as he then had in his house, was
formed alternately at each of the surrounding stations; and their
leisure existence became a prolonged life of reciprocal good-feeling
and friendship; which, by the means of this happy unity, were firmly
cemented.

On the following morning, the sun rose with a refreshed resplendence;
and our young friends, after breakfasting, and taking a cordial leave of
their kind entertainers and their friends, proceeded on their way to
Brompton. The previous evening's storm had had the effect of deliciously
cooling the atmosphere; and the sun's clear rays obliquely striking the
fragrant gum-leaves, which fluttered high over-head in the gentle
morning breeze, and still bathed, as it were, in tears for the late
elemental strife, made them sparkle like glittering gems in the roof of
their arboreous edifice. The aromatic exudation from the dwarfish
wattle, with its May-like blossom, which seemed to flourish under the
protection of its gigantic compeers; and the bright acacia, decking,
with its brilliant hue, the sloping sward, both lent their aid in the
general pageant. The shrill cry of the parrots, which, with