ith under similar
circumstances; that is, a one-storied weather-boarded building of about
six or eight rooms, mostly connected with one another, with a broad
shady verandah, detached kitchen and stable, and other out-houses at a
short distance removed from the dwelling. As a structure it had nothing
about it that would attract special attention; it was simply neat, and
had an appearance of comfort; but looked at in conjunction with the
prettily arranged garden, with its tastefully laid out flower plots, and
well stocked beds of vegetive edibles--and which was protected from the
intrusion of quadrupeds by a substantial "pailing fence"--it was a snug
and pleasant residence. Numerous and extensive enclosed paddocks
stretched far down the banks of the river; and in them might have been
seen quite a herd of horses luxuriating in the rich pasturage; while at
a distance of a few hundred yards stood the enclosures forming the
stock-yard, and, adjacent, the large wool-shed and the huts of the men.
From these, smoke with graceful curls rose in the calm evening air, and
gave to the _locale_ the appearance of a small though picturesque
township; and, with the park-like appearance of the country, impressed
our young travellers with the feeling, that Brompton was one of the most
serene and delightful spots they had ever seen.

This station was of considerable magnitude; and, being in the centre of
a district becoming fast occupied by settlers and their stock, it was
likely, at no very distant period, to become a place of considerable
importance. The government had reserved a site for a township; and had
already established a branch post-office for the convenience of the
settlers in the neighbourhood; it might consequently be considered the
_ultima thule_ of civilisation. The proprietor of the station, Mr.
Alfred Smithers, was a gentleman in the meridian of life, who had, in
the general exodus from the southern districts of the colony, come over
into the Darling Downs in search of "new country;" and continuing to
push on until he passed the boundary of the existing settlements, had
alighted on a tract of land situated near the head of the Gibson river,
to which it appeared no venturesome squatter had as then penetrated. He
took up the "run" from government, gave it its present name, brought
over his flocks, and established his station; then building a
comfortable little cottage, which, since the erection of the present
house, had been