CHAPTER XVII.

CATTLE AND SHEEP RAISING IN QUEENSLAND.--GRASS THAT KILLS SHEEP.--PROFITS OF RAISING CATTLE.--RELATIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE TWO ENTERPRISES.--INCREASE OF FLOCKS AND HERDS.--STATISTICS.-- LIVE-STOCK IN QUEENSLAND.--VISITING A SHEEP-STATION.--DUTIES OF A GOOD SHEPHERD.--INSANE TENDENCIES OF SHEPHERDS.--MONOTONY OF THEIR LIVES.--DISAGREEABLE WORK FOR NOVICES.--SHEEP-SHEARING, AND HOW IT IS PERFORMED.--PACKING AND SHIPPING WOOL.--AMUSING STORY OF A STOLEN HORSE.--THE MINER WHO HID HIS GOLD IN A HORSE-COLLAR.--BUSH-RANGERS AND THEIR PERFORMANCES.--"STICKING UP."--"OLIVER, THE TERROR OF THE NORTH."--HELD BY A WOODEN LEG.--TRICK OF A DISHONEST GENIUS.--PEARL-FISHING IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS: HOW THE BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED.--ALLIGATORS.--THE "CARDWELL PET."--SUNDOWNERS. 382