Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/76

 whirled about, and my sight somewhat dimmed by the rapidity of the movements. When I could see, I found myself going full pace after the retreating bull, who had actually touched my leg as he charged past me, borne free by my well-trained steed. A well-delivered lash from the long-thonged whip wielded by one of the gentlemen who supported me, turned the chase in the right direction, and soon the trio were making towards the glade. My friend was not so fortunate, for, though he had received the same caution, he was not quick enough to meet the sudden whirl of his horse, and was pitched head foremost on "mother earth;" the horse, however, continued the chase, and, when we drew in, stopped and waited quietly for his discomfited rider.

At another time, as I was going down a thickly wooded ravine, I started a cow and calf. With the utmost fury the former rushed on me, when my horse, with the agility of a cat, bore me round a large tree, and immediately of himself took up the chase, bearing me alongside nolens volens, still edging on the animal, turning her in the right direction. When, at length, we had reached the glade, and as each party drove some before them, then indeed it was an exciting scene to see their discomfiture, fierce and determined, and evidently inclined to show fight. Whilst, however, they seemed to deliberate, the attacking party formed a three-quarter circle around them, gradually emerging from the forest, the horses themselves forming the curvature, the riders' whole