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Colonial Australian Popular Fiction Digital Archive
y separately published work icon From the Land of the Wombat selected work   short story  
Issue Details: First known date: 1899... 1899 From the Land of the Wombat
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Notes

  • Dedication: To 'Rolf Boldrewood' from W. S. W. 1898
  • Epigraph: 'Her hearth is wide to every wind... That ride the rough roof beam' Kipling.

Contents

* Contents derived from the London,
c
England,
c
c
United Kingdom (UK),
c
Western Europe, Europe,
:
John Long , 1899 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
La Revanche, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
The friendship between two men sours as they begin to spend time in the company of two sisters. As the younger sister and the more handsome man fall in love and marry, jealousy drives the other two to a dastardly act.
(p. 1-10)
A Mad Somnambulist, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story humour
An unexpected overnight guest becomes a problem for workhands on a station when his nocturnal wanderings cause fear and confusion.
(p. 11-17)
Lalor of Coringa, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
Intending to claim land for grazing, a man is surprised to stumble upon a young woman in desparate need of food and water in the bush. Their chance encounter leads to the man being introduced to a mysterious, utopian community hidden from the world. But all is not well in Paradise.
(p. 18-45)
A Voice from the Dead, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
Travelling by sea, a man speaks with a sailor who is troubled by an apparition he believes foretells his death. The sailor extracts a promise from the man to inform his mother if he should die. The two part company onshore as both head for the goldfields in different directions. However, the man has one more - ghastly - encounter with the sailor and, through a portentous message, fulfills his request.
(p. 46-57)
An Up-Country Race Meeting, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story humour
A country race-meeting attracts men from all directions who, on their travels, enjoy the conviviality of dining with fellow travellers at country pubs. However, as all imbibe rather too heavily, there are uproarious occasions en route.
(p. 58-66)
Waddygalo, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
The Aboriginal peoples of a Western Queensland location live harmoniously in an idyllic environment until the 'white man' and his gun arrive.
(p. 67-83)
The Wraith of Tom Imrie, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
An altercation in a hotel leads to manslaughter, with the fleeing offender hotly pursued by another man. Both are found shot dead shortly afterwards and a haunting tragedy is subsequently revealed.
(p. 84-101)
A Rabbit Station, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story humour

Two Britons go to Australia to try their hands at sheep-farming. After purchasing a station, however, they find that they must contend with a rabbit infestation. They devise many innovative, though not successful, methods of doing so, and experience some misadventure along the way.

(p. 102-123)
The Chase of the White Kangaroo, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
Working the land for a group of colonial settlers involves many adventures, including rounding up feral cattle, contending with the legendary visits of deceased predecessors, hunting emus, and, of tracking down an enormous white kangaroo.
(p. 124-143)
The Stockwhip Songi"See, as the dawn breaks rosy-red, the jovial stockman issue", William Sylvester Walker , extract poetry (p. 143)
A Free Selector, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
A young Irishman has come to Australia to make his fortune, but unwise investments see him losing rather than gaining. His propensity for deception compounds his misfortunes, especially as he falls in love with the daughter of a well-to-do squatter. However, his true identity, as eventually revealed, stands him in good stead, as does his charm.
(p. 144-181)
Father's 'Fortun' ', William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
Two young neighbours enjoy playing together and exploring their rural environment. When the young girl's father finds a gold-bearing stone, it seems as though their fortunes will change. However, a bushfire transforms the landscape making it impossible for him to relocate the area of his discovery. Young Bessie sets out to find it herself, but gets lost in the process. However, she is found, along with the gold, and as the years progress the two young, and now wealthy, neighbours marry and enjoy telling the stories of their youth to their children.
(p. 182-199)
On the Lead, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
Two young Englishmen set off to Australia hoping to strike it lucky. They succeed in finding a rich goldfield, and almost overnight a town springs up peopled with men and women hoping to strike it lucky with gold and love. Jealousies and vindictiveness lead to tragedy but, true love wins in the end.
(p. 200-216)
Muzzlem's, William Sylvester Walker , single work short story
For weary travellers, 'Muzzlem's' inn was a welcome respite, especially as Muzzlem's hospitality extended to supplying much-appreciated beverages at no cost. A traveller might, however, be prepared to pay handsomely for some curios, or lose graciously at cards.
(p. 217-219)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

Publications Received 1899 single work review
— Appears in: The Queenslander , 11 November 1899; (p. 950)

— Review of From the Land of the Wombat William Sylvester Walker , 1899 selected work short story ; His Natural Life Marcus Clarke , 1870-1872 single work novel
The reviewer praises Symington's new book and introduces a new edition of Marcus Clarke's His Natural Life, noting the pictures and the introduction by A. B. Paterson.
Publications Received 1899 single work review
— Appears in: The Queenslander , 11 November 1899; (p. 950)

— Review of From the Land of the Wombat William Sylvester Walker , 1899 selected work short story ; His Natural Life Marcus Clarke , 1870-1872 single work novel
The reviewer praises Symington's new book and introduces a new edition of Marcus Clarke's His Natural Life, noting the pictures and the introduction by A. B. Paterson.
Last amended 30 Jun 2016 13:22:05
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