Australian Fairy Tales

David Hume · en
It is the world in which the children of all the world live: the world
of Bogies and Dragons, Fairy Princes and Princesses, Giants and Giant
Killers. It is the world we knew so well when we, too, walked with
fearful joy amid its mystic, thrilling groves. To dull and prosaic
souls it does not exist, for, lacking imagination, they walk in outer
darkness. Those fairy forms—so real to the vivid mind—are to them but
the shadows of trees in the flickering light of the moon.

Hitherto, the Fairies we have known, though very delightful beings,
have had their habitat in far-off lands. Thanks to the researches of
Mr. Hume Cook, we are now able to wander through the enchanted Bush
with real Australian Fairy Princes and Princesses; share in the thrills
of their amazing adventures; rejoice in the triumph of virtue; and be
glad at the downfall of vice.

The dwellers in Australian Fairy Land, although akin to those of other
climes, have a distinct character of their own. Even the wicked Desert
Fairies endear themselves to us. Although they do not vomit fire, as
did the dreadful dragon of our childhood, one feels that, given a
sporting chance, they would make that boastful beast curl up like a
salted worm.

As for the other Fairies, everybody will love them. The stories are
well told, and the book is beautifully illustrated. Mr. Hume Cook’s
book is, in very truth, a really and truly Fairy Story Book, which
Australian children of all ages will read with avid interest and take
to their hearts.


W. M. Hughes.








CONTENTS.


    The Magic Well                  13
    The Fairy City                  35
    The Prince’s Palace             53
    The Prince’s Marriage           71
    The Skylark’s Story             88
    Gourds and Quinces              92
    The Grape Vine’s Story          94
    When the Stork Called           97
    The Raindrop’s Story            98
    The Door Mat’s Story           104
    Clover Perfume’s Story         108
    Music’s Story                  115
    The Moon’s Garden Party        121


COLOURED PLATES:

    Prince Waratah goes to the rescue of the Princess  Frontispiece
    The Arrival of the Shower Fairies                           33
    The Fairy City by Night                                     49
    The Desert Fairies Kidnap the Princess                      79
    The Prince and Princess before the Recorder                 85
    The Mower and His Lady Meet the Queen                      131








AUSTRALIAN FAIRY TALES AS TOLD TO
“BIDGYBAH,” “POLLYKIM,” and “PINKLES.”

Time of Telling: Sunday Evenings.

Place: Any old spot remote from the older members of the family.



Descriptive Characteristics of the Audience: