Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/93

 the chase that morning assembled might rank amongst the proudest of Britain's noblest sons; and the steeds, though not turned out with such sleek coats or Peat-like gear, yet were they, perchance, more available for a hard run than many an English hunter; while the dogs, a motley group and lean withal, soon gave us proof of the sterling quality of their breed.

A short distance through an open glade brought us to a skirt of the wild forest, into which, making a detour, we entered, the dogs still being coupled. After rambling on for half-an-hour, scattering about to hunt up the game, a fine forester kangaroo broke cover and bounded off, heading towards the plain. The dogs were now loosed, and, giving tongue with a will, broke on the chase. Whilst dashing through the wood in the mad excitement of the moment, we had to commit ourselves entirely to the mercy of our well-trained steeds. One or two of our number, indeed, unused to the wonderful agility of the Australian horse, were made closer acquainted with mother earth. On opening the plain we beheld the hounds but a short way before us, in full cry, and though many a time I have hunted with the best hounds in my own dear native land from my very boyhood days, yet never have I recollected being engaged in a more strange or exciting chase than the one now before us. The kangaroo in his wild jumps seemed to fly through the air, and on we sped over hill and dale, through field and mead,