They are wilful at times, and then have to be punished; but I never strike or spur my horse without good reason.

Now look here, Nic: this is not to show off, but to let you see what can be done with the animal, which is one of man's most valuable friends out in these wilds.

Now watch!" The doctor threw the reins on the horse's neck.
"I want to go to the left." To Nic's astonishment the horse bore away to the left, and his own followed suit.
"Now I want to go to the right." The horse turned in that direction.
"Now I want to turn right round." The horse turned right about.
"Now straight back." The horses began to return upon their tracks, Nic's eyes following every motion.
"Now round again, and forward." Once more the horse, turning right about, went straight forward, Sour Sorrel taking pace for pace.
"Why, it's wonderful, father!" cried Nic.

"Australian horses must understand plain English." "Well, they are English bred," said the doctor, laughing.

"Twenty years ago there was not a horse in the country.