they will not find the general title of these papers unsuitable to
the heading of this particular chapter. Indeed, I may truly say,
that, looking back upon the many happy memories of my three years
life in that lovely and beloved Middle Island, no pleasures stand
out more vividly than my evening rides up winding gullies or across
low hill-ranges in search of a shepherd's hut, or a _cockatoo's_
nest. A peculiar brightness seems to rest on those sun-lit peaks of
memory's landscape; and it is but fitting that it should be so, for
other excursions or expeditions used to be undertaken merely for
business or pleasure, but these delicious wanderings were in search
of scattered dwellings whose lonely inhabitants--far removed from
Church privileges for many a long year past--might be bidden, nay,
entreated, to come to us on Sunday afternoons, and attend the
Service we held at home weekly.

And here I feel constrained to say a word to those whose eyes may
haply rest on my pages, and who may find themselves in the coming
years in perhaps the same position as I did a short time ago. A new
comer to a new country is sure to be discouraged if he or she
(particularly _she_, I fancy) should attempt to revive or introduce
any custom which has been neglected or overlooked. This is
especially the case with religious observances. At every turn one is
met by disheartening warnings. "Oh, the people here are very
different to those in the old country; they would look upon it as
impertinence if you suggested they should come to church." "You
will find a few may come just at first, and then when the novelty
wears off and they have seen all the pretty things in your drawing
room, not a soul will ever come near the place."

"If even the men don't say something very free and easy to you when