than
the cracking of the dreaded whip resounds through the forest in all
directions; the frightened cattle—the old ones amongst whom know by
experience what is coming—hasten with alacrity to their usual
camping-place, the stockman in full speed after them, heading them, if
necessary, and driving them towards the appointed rendezvous ; the
others, who have been similarly engaged, have their charge also bearing
down on the same spot, where most of the cattle on the run are
ultimately collected, and the journey towards the stock-yard is
commenced.
And
now commences the sport in earnest. The mob of cattle is in a state of
perfect excitement, ready to dash at any thing. Not a few of them have
already had a taste of the dreaded thong, the cracking- of which still
resounds through the air from every direction, accompanied by the
shouts of the riders. Cows are lowing for their lost calves, and these
for their mothers; rival bulls are furiously menacing each other, only
again to be reduced to order by the whip; bullocks are bellowing, dogs
barking, horses prancing, and altogether the scene is one of as pretty
confusion as can be imagined.
Onwards
they go, the cattle evidently meditating escape or mischief. The front
gets into a gallop, which is speedily checked by the stockmen. A
declivity is before them, and away goes the mob down the hill, stockmen
after them at a killing pace. Clouds of dust arise, which at a distance
resemble those of the African deserts moving before the wind. The pace
increases to a flying one, yet the horses at full speed will turn
instantly and head back the cattle, performing feats of suddenly
twisting and turning which with an English horse would be considered
impossible.
As
the mob approaches the stock-yard, a last desperate struggle is made to
escape, for the cattle well know that the cruel operation of branding
is before them. This is all their reminiscence of the stock-yard, and
having once gone through the operation, they are not likely to forget
it. The stockmen are on the alert, as well as the horses, the latter
watching every
