The black swans (_Anas plutonia_) were at certain spots numerous about the river; they lay several eggs of a light bluish tinge, but at this season the young birds were seen in the river, as also the young of the different species of wild ducks, teal, &c., which are numerous in the colony; although neither the young of the black swans or ducks can yet fly, still nature has provided them with a rapidity of motion in the water which baffles pursuers: this excites surprise in those who witness the manner these little half-fledged creatures swim and dive, so as effectually to avoid their numerous enemies. A tyro, thinking it an easy task to capture them, “as they cannot fly,” enters the river for the purpose of taking some of the ducklings, but returns exhausted after a fatiguing chase, without procuring one to reward his trouble, marvelling, as he directs his steps homeward, completely crest-fallen, how the little imps could have escaped. CHAPTER XII. Native dogs—Their tenacity of life—Return to Yas Plains—The Australian raspberry—Native cherry-tree—The summer season—Tree hoppers—Their clamour—Gannets—Country about the Tumat river—Bugolong—The Black range—A storm—Vicinity of rivers—Native blacks—Their costume and weapons—Wheat-fields—Destructive birds—Winding course of the Murrumbidgee. Three dingos, or native dogs, (the “Warragul” of the aborigines, Canis Australasiæ, Dem.[86]) were seen about the hills at “Gudarigby,” and the howling of the kangaroo dogs during the night, was the first indication of their prowling about; they are the wolves of the colony, and are perhaps unequalled for cunning. These animals breed in the holes of rocks; a litter was found near Yas Plains, which the discoverer failed to destroy, thinking to return and catch the mother also, and thus destroy the whole family; but the “old lady” must have been watching him, for on his returning a short time after, he found all the little dingos had been carried away, and he was never able, although diligent search was made in the vicinity, to discover their place of removal. The cunning displayed by these animals, and the agony they can endure, without evincing the usual effects of pain, would seem almost incredible, had it not been related by those on whose testimony every dependence can be placed. The following are a few among a number of extraordinary instances.