Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/48

32 have it framed and glazed, and hung up in my cabin." It was framed, and probably hangs there to this day: would that it was displayed in a more conspicuous place, and could have the effect of humbling the false "dignity of an illiterate, narrow minded, purse proud, heartless colonial aristocracy—one of the most intolerable nuisances on the face of the earth."

In a very short time all the emigrants who were so disposed, had engaged themselves at what would appear in England ridiculously high wages. Bricklayers, masons, and mechanics of all descriptions, made their own terms; for the demand far exceeded the supply. One fortunate settler, who had come down from that extensive place "somewhere in the interior," had succeeded in engaging twelve men as shepherds, and he was reviewing his little band with signs of satisfaction; and because he was a good specimen of the men who make Australia respectable, we will give a full length portrait of him. He was of moderate height, muscular, and active. Those portions of his face which were not hidden by his moustaches and beard, might be pronounced handsome; his eyes were quick and penetrating, and his whole bearing was that of a gentleman in a strange but not unbecoming dress. He was quite at home amongst the motley crew who surrounded him—courteous and communicative to all: no doubt he would have been equally at his ease in a drawing room. His brows were shaded by a broad-brimmed manilla hat. His throat was partially covered by the extremities of his huge beard, which clouds of tobacco smoke could not entirely hide: what was seen of