The road lay through the middle of an empty space which seemed to me to be a hundred yards wide between the fences.  I was not given the width in yards, but only in chains and perches—­and furlongs, I think.  I would have given a good deal to know what the width was, but I did not pursue the matter.  I think it is best to put up with information the way you get it; and seem satisfied with it, and surprised at it, and grateful for it, and say, “My word!” and never let on.  It was a wide space; I could tell you how wide, in chains and perches and furlongs and things, but that would not help you any.  Those things sound well, but they are shadowy and indefinite, like troy weight and avoirdupois; nobody knows what they mean.  When you buy a pound of a drug and the man asks you which you want, troy or avoirdupois, it is best to say “Yes,” and shift the subject.

They said that the wide space dates from the earliest sheep and cattle-raising days.  People had to drive their stock long distances —­immense journeys—­from worn-out places to new ones where were water and fresh pasturage; and this wide space had to be left in grass and unfenced, or the stock would have starved to death in the transit.

On the way we saw the usual birds—­the beautiful little green parrots, the magpie, and some others; and also the slender native bird of modest plumage and the eternally-forgettable name—­the bird that is the smartest among birds, and can give a parrot 30 to 1 in the game and then talk him to death.  I cannot recall that bird’s name.  I think it begins with M. I wish it began with G. or something that a person can remember.

The magpie was out in great force, in the fields and on the fences.  He is a handsome large creature, with snowy white decorations, and is a singer; he has a murmurous rich note that is lovely.  He was once modest, even diffident; but he lost all that when he found out that he was Australia’s sole musical bird.  He has talent, and cuteness, and impudence; and in his tame state he is a most satisfactory pet—­never coming when he is called, always coming when he isn’t, and studying disobedience as an accomplishment.  He is not confined, but loafs all over the house and grounds, like the laughing jackass.  I think he learns to talk, I know he learns to sing tunes, and his friends say that he knows how to steal without learning.  I was acquainted with a tame magpie in Melbourne.  He had lived in a lady’s house several years, and believed he owned it.  The lady had tamed him, and in return he had tamed the lady.  He was always on deck when not wanted, always having his own way, always tyrannizing over the dog, and always making the cat’s life a slow sorrow and a martyrdom.  He knew a number of tunes and could sing them in perfect time and tune; and would do it, too, at any time that silence was wanted; and then encore himself and do it again; but if he was asked to sing he would go out and take a walk.