2-887-979 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Bushing It - Camped for the Night, 1850. British settlers in Australia. '...the Settlers Bushing it, and camped for the night, having wearied themselves with the chase of the kangaroo. This is one of the emigrant's delights...seated before his large fire-place in the dim twilight of evening, with outstretched legs, the little 'black pipe' is made to do 'good service and true'; his eye watches the curling pyramids of smoke, as they gracefully ascend to his thatched roof; with every whiff he feels himself better, his thoughts are revelling in the fairy realms of imagination; when all his romantic ideas are suddenly dissipated by the boisterous chorus of his dogs, announcing the arrival of a neighbour, or traveller, and the necessity of providing for his wants in the shape of, 'vulgar damper and tea'.' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.