Page:Diary of ten years.djvu/280

262 April 21st.—I have been out on an expedition since this day week, and only got home at 11 last night. Bull, Lennard, and myself—the two former having servants also, set out for Lennard's brook. My flock is to go on its way to York to-morrow,—that is, as many as can travel. I wish I had sent them long since, for the food here is so short and dry that the ewes have not milk, and I have lost many lambs already and several sheep of my old flock. I have also lost ten of those last purchased, but shall think myself fortunate if I escape with 10 per cent. loss.—I have had a letter from Mr. Dunnage, Hatchell's friend, who was here when I came, but is now a clergyman in England. Do you ever see or hear of Dale? He will be interested in the result of our visit to Lennard's brook, which we had passed before in company together. Tell him the natives at Lennard's brook recollected our former visit; that the word "roging" which they used on that occasion means a stranger. They meant that they wished to see the strangers, and the word "rogo" which they used, when they wished us to go in a certain direction different from that which we took means, "There, or that way." The Perth natives now say that the Perth white men speak "English plenty," meaning broken English, but that I speak like a Waylo man,—that is, a man from the North. Waylo is the name of the district we visited.

Sunday, 3rd May.—Have been in Perth for most part of last week, and only returned last night. I am in painful suspense as to the result of sending the sheep over the hills, for news reached Perth yesterday that Dr. Harris in taking his over, at the same time with mine, lost 80 sheep and two bullocks by death. It is a most alarming circumstance. The cause of this mortality is as yet unknown. Some attribute it to a poisonous plant, some to overdriving, some to want of water. All are at fault, and the sickness is so sudden that there is scarcely time to apply a remedy, even if it were known. The same rumour hath it that mine had passed Dr.