Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-04-05
AUSTRALIAN TRAMPs
AN IDEAL COUNTRY FOR WEARY
 WILLIEs.D

The sssunaownars and H2a Mode of Exis-
 tsnes-As Rule He Ia Well Informed
 And Fairly soral--EIs VIII Work at Times
 But Loves His Rest.
 Australia Is an Ideal country for tramps because Of It's universal hospl- faIfty and delightful climate. There are no hardships Of weather, no dangerous wild beasts to contend with, very few clothes required, and there IS seldom night, up-eountry at least that a man may not roll himself in his blanket and sleep in comfort.
 The sundowner, SC called because he invariably claims the hospitality of station franeh) at sundawn-an hour when he knows he will not be turned away empty y-handed-is the white tramp Of Australia. He has so long been recognized as a necessary evil that at most stations a travellers hut Is now provided for his special accom- modation; and a regular ration. usually a pannik5n Of four and pound Of meat, is served out to every applicant
 n other places, more democratic the sundowner takes his seat at the table fn the mems quarters He can always depend upon his supper. bed, and breakfast at any station; and he usually steals or bags from the cook sufficient to make a hearty midday meal. # the distances between sta- tions are too far to bs travelled in a single day. the swagaman rolls himself In ais blanket and camps by the road side. If the distance be but a few miles, he revels in a genuine holiday. picnics for the day. perhaps, under tha shade of a giant gum tree and arrives at the station homestead, with all the appearance of a long days walk. just as the sun is setting.
 The Australian tramp is of type wholly different from the ignorant, low-bred scum of humanity that ana meets in some countries, and from the whining. professional beggar Of Europe and America.
 As class these tramps ara well h. formed, fairly moral, and, as the world goes, honest. The sundowner stands apart from the rest of his kind. inaa- much as he never begs for money.
 He will ask for a pipsfuI of tobacco or a drink. meal or bunk, but for the coin of the realm he does not pe- tition. He Ia a consented philosopher, with all the instincts of a noBleman; born, Of course, under an unIueky star, yet satisfied with his lot so long as be Is not obliged to work, and so long a the @squatters" feed him.
 One Is constantly surprised at the speech and manners of those whom one meets on the road, and 1t is probable that fully one-third are men who were born of gentle parents in Lhe older countries. Australia being an English colony, the sundowner is usually native of tAe British Isles, though there is sv@ankling of other natfonalf. ties in D&@9srrion to their number in the coleasaE. 1t is dus to the native. born Australians to say that they sel- dom turn tramps.
 Although against his principles. ii 6 that he does sometimes work. There are times when even he feels the need of 2 change.
 At shearing time, when the sheds are full of jolly shearera and good wages may be demanded, he will often work for a few weeks; or he may find some other easy way that suits his fas- idious fancy.
 With the proceeds he buys himself a few clothes, perhaps, and Knocks down" (spends) the remainder in ths first bush public. Some there are who wander aimlessly from one colony ro another, ever seeking new paths: others, more methsdical, have a ragu- lar route laid out. which takes from two to three years to cover. Tn this way they do not vtSit the same station ofeen enough to bs recognized.
 snndowning Ia the outgrowth of the boundless and uEsqaalled hosnita5itv of the Australian suSh. The sccasional sundown petitioner of the old davs however, has now become an army. To-day the squatts- fears this wander Ing tramp, and feeds him under protest knowing well that ny refusing him ha runs the risk Of having a Boolshed burned down or some of his fat sheen killed
 Russian Bottle sanwx