Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/106

 been erected, thus preventing the frequent inundations in the winter season, at all times dangerous, and in many instances attended with great loss of life. We encamped in a paddock adjoining the principal inn, and, as the march was to be continued at an early hour the following morning, no tents were erected. The more fortunate sheltered themselves in the hotel and outhouses, whilst others found a resting-place under the drays, or contented themselves with the open air. For my own part, I had, as I thought, comfortably ensconced myself under the timber of a gun-carriage, when I was disturbed from my position by some half-dozen sailors, who rather unceremoniously broke in upon me. It appeared I was occupying the quarters intended for their officers, and, notwithstanding my expostulations and entreaties, I was compelled to beat a retreat, or otherwise obtain permission from their "lifftenant." I had a good opportunity of judging the style of men I had to deal with, and I must say, their masculine, determined, and formidable appearance, fully realized my beau ideal of a British tar.

"Immediately after daybreak the following morning the camp was all hurry and bustle,—a hastily prepared breakfast, and we were again on the line of march. We journeyed on until we came to the junction of the Castlemaine and Ballaarat roads, where we halted for a few minutes, and then entered upon Keilor Plains. Pursuing our weary course over a flat, bare tract of country, exposed to the scorching rays of a