CHAPTER XVIII.

THE PLAGUE OF FLIES IN AUSTRALIA.--OTHER CREEPING AND FLYING THINGS.--LAUGHING-JACKASSES, BOWER-BIRDS, LYRE-BIRDS, PARROTS, ETC.--TRICKS OF THE LYRE-BIRD.--ORIGIN OF THE BOWER-BIRD'S NAME.--BLACK SWANS AND WILD-DUCKS.--SNIPE, QUAIL, AND OTHER BIRDS.--AUSTRALIAN RIVERS AND THEIR PECULIARITIES.--RETURN TO THE COAST.--GYMPIE AND THE GOLD-MINES OF QUEENSLAND.--AN AUSTRALIAN GOLD RUSH.--DOWN THE COAST TO SYDNEY.--THE GREAT BARRIER REEF: ITS EXTENT AND PECULIARITIES.--SPORT IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND.--GOING UP-COUNTRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES.--A KANGAROO HUNT.--DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HUNT AND A DRIVE.--AUSTRALIAN MARSUPIALS.--SHOOTING WILD HORSES.--KILLING AN "OLD MAN" KANGAROO.--DINGOES.--STORIES OF KANGAROO HUNTS. 407