TO
W. R. K.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE
[Dromoora]Frontispiece
[“He, by a quick movement, bitted the animal with the rope”]24
[The Wreck of the Young Austral]41
[The “Corroboree”]63
[Climbing for Honey]67
[Mat throws the Tingura]112
[Mat collars the Buckjumper]142
[The death of Magan]211

PREFACE.

A few words concerning the following narrative may not be out of place.

Many years ago, and before the present township of Townsville, in Northern Queensland, was thought of, I found myself wandering in the neighbourhood of Mount Elliott, and also about the waters of the Burdekin river, in latitude a little south of 19 degrees.

Whilst so engaged, looking for country suitable for stock, hunting, &c., it was my privilege to make the acquaintance of one “Jimmy Morrill,” and through him I enjoyed the unusual advantage of intercourse with the perfectly wild blacks.