To the above totals a certain number of Colonial troops must be added. Canada, New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania, all proffered aid, but, unfortunately, the British Home Government did not avail itself to the fullest extent of their tendered assistance. It restricted the contribution of men, in all cases except that of Canada, to small detachments, and did not want even these to be composed of mounted troops. But, though the Colonial forces probably scarcely exceeded 2,000, their appearance upon the scene gave fresh proof of the solidarity of the British Empire, and was a striking earnest of the loyalty of the Colonies. [Illustration: THE SEND-OFF OF THE CANADIAN CONTINGENT FROM QUEBEC. The photograph represents the Governor-General, Lord Minto, addressing the troops. The French-Canadian Premier, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the Mayor of Quebec, also addressed them.] [Sidenote: OCT.-NOV. 1899.] _Enthusiastic Loyalty of the Colonies._] While Australia and Canada thus responded to the great call of duty, Natal made the most prodigious efforts, to which fuller attention will have to be given hereafter. She placed some 4,000 or 5,000 of her scanty white population in the field, and her sons proved themselves on the field of battle gallant men and skilful soldiers, winning well-deserved tributes from all the British generals. At Durban were many thousands of refugees from the Transvaal, eager to serve against the Boers, but owing to the parsimony of the Home Government indifferent use was made of their enthusiasm. Where we might have had 5,000 good volunteers only 1,000 were raised. The Imperial Light Horse, composed almost entirely of Outlanders, speedily made a name for itself, and fought with invariable heroism and devotion. [Illustration: THE VICTORIAN CONTINGENT CROSSING PRINCE'S BRIDGE, MELBOURNE. As in England, so in all the Colonies, immense crowds gathered to witness the departure of volunteers for the front. This demonstration of the loyalty of the Colonies is certainly one of the most gratifying of the results of the war.] [Sidenote: The greatest expeditionary force ever sent over seas.] [Sidenote: [OCT.-NOV. 1899.]