OK, so here am I appearing to break my own "rules" for this thread, LoL!

But the subject of this song, about hunting colonial kangaroo in NSW with one's trusty LURCHER, is well covered in Guy Hull's book that I was excited about in the OP.
It is perhaps fortunate that the Lurchers and their co-hounds (later "Kangaroo Dogs" being Greyhound/Scottish Deerhound cross) saved the colony from starvation and provided much-need hide and bindings, but by doing so they decimated that foodsource and usage for both Indigenous peoples and Dingos (and it was much worse in Tasmania).

If you have even a modicum of interest in the subject, you are encouraged to read the book!! :)


COLONIAL HUNT

ANONYMOUS (songwriter)

Words only; no tune indicated


Source:

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (16 June 1805), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article626824



When Sol has commenc'd his diurnal career,
And the bright spangled dew drops from buds disappear,
With my dog and my gun to the forest I fly,
Where in stately confusion rich gums sweep the sky.
Then anxious, my eyes each direction pursue,
Till the fleet footed WALLABA rises to view!

I point to the Game, and uplifting my hand,
Brisk Lurcher, obedient, flies off to command:---
Perceiving her danger, Puss doubles her pace,
And well prim'd and loaded, I bring up the chace,
Exclaiming, transported the course to review,
"Hoick ! hoick ! my bold Lurcher! Well led Kanguroo!

Fatigu'd, broken hearted, tears gush from her eyes:
In vain to the thicket for shelter she flies:
Secure for a moment---yet shouts rend her ears,
And the brush fired round her, again she appears.
Delighted the Victim once more to behold,
Away scampers Lurcher---and gets a firm hold.

In vain has she doubled, since now she must yield:
A stream from her haunches empurples the field:
My transports subside---gentle Pity takes place,
And Death puts an end to the joys of the Chace.
Then varied my toil, to my cottage I come,
And a sweet smiling Welcome proclaims me at home!


Found at :
https://www.sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/chronicle1801-1810.php


R-J