Thamanampalli Surekha

form the country idlers(of which there are always plenty in every community), and such as had no means, but were determined to try their fortune, encouraged by the success of others, and the reports, which almost deprived men of their reason. Every class in the community was represented here: merchants, physicians, lawyers, responsible tradesmen, farmers, clerks, and many of the superior classes were pointed out to us among the mass we saw in this place and on the road. The successful diggers, or those who were ambitious to be in the fashion, or somewhat different from the sailor or bullock-driver, were generally clad in the plaid or chequered jumper; every one had a belt round his waist. Altogether the scene was very striking and picturesque, and the costumes most useful for the labour their wearers had to go through. After a short time we resumed our journey, and on the way overtook four men and a boy of about twelve years of age, perhaps not so much, they were tired, and the little fellow was quite knocked up. We got off our horse and walked with them, putting the youngster on it, and thus we journeyed on for several miles. This party had walked from Gipps' Land, two hundred miles. Mount Alexander being the paint of attraction where they hoped to work out their fortunes, they had left their wives behind, making such arrangements as they were able for their safety, and fearlessly struck across the country, that they might reach the desired spot. Where will this matter end? was our reflection. Here are men, and one of them an intelligent one,-formerly a Devonshire former, as he informed us,- who had settled in Gipps' Land leaving their families and settled occupations for a gold-seeker's life. They stated that every man who could had left, or would leave that quarter; and the some thing was going forward every where, either for these diggings or for other localities. They regretted leaving that district, of which they spoke highly, and described it as altogether different from these sheep-walks and highlands, every acre of it being fit for the plough. But what could they do? so many labouring people had left, and so many employers of labour had gone likewise, that in their case there was no alternative but to fallow. A gentleman coming up spoke to us; he looked ill ad fatigued, he had had a very long walk after his horse in the morning, which had strayed, not being properly secured; he determined, if possible, not to be so served again, as he had procured a very long and strong tether rope. He asked us where we proposed to stop for the night, as we were a great distance from the "Bush Inn."At the first place where water was to be obtained, was the reply of our friends from Gipps' Land. We were now passing over extensive plains without any trees upon them; and to all appearance we were a long distance from water. On these plains there were a great many wagons and drays, equestrians and pedestrians, passing to and from the diggings, by whom me Gipps' Land party were informed that water was to be had about two miles off the line of road, painting towards the spot; at that spot, therefore, they resolved to pass the night. The young boy was then taken off our horse, we mounted, wishing our friends good fortune, rode on, and soon overtook the stranger who had spoken to us, and with him journeyed on; he was surprised at our going with the men, thinking, as we were walking, that we were of one party. We found him to be a very agreeable person, belonging to Melbourne, of some literary reputation, as we were afterwards in formed. He fully confirmed the statements in he journals as to the productiveness of the gold-fields, and as to the effect the discovery had had upon society generally; but he indulged in the expectation that emigration, and the throwing back upon the labour-market such persons as had tried and failed, or who were unequal to he severity of the labour from any other reason, would put all to rights, that in the meantime it was clear there was nothing for many to do but to join in the scramble: such being his view, it was either his pleasure or convenience to form a small party, which was working at Forest Greek; that he had been in town on some matter connected with the party, and was now returning. From his appearance we thought such rough work would be too much for him, but his weak state of health was probably the result of a passing illness, mentally he was energetic enough, and we hoped he would prove bodily so. Being overtaken by the night, after we had ridden on a few miles further through a really beautiful country, undulating and rising into small hills, with that open forest-land so common to Australian scenery, and being still six or eight miles from the "Bus Inn," we began to look about us for a resting-place. At length, among many fires, we directed our steps towards one. Ground it were some sailors belonging to a ship they had left at Melbourne, their party consisted of five. The leader and another man had gone back to town with a horse and cart for something they required, leaving them in charge of the tent and other things until they returned. They were smart young fellows, and very civil, with them, therefore, we bivouacked. The creek was not running, and we had therefore some difficulty in finding a water-hole to which we could take our horses with safety. At length we succeeded, some distance off; and then bringing them back, we secured them to the trees in a spot where there was plenty of good grass which they seemed to enjoy. It will not be necessary to