how his literary faculty was stimulated by recognition and praise, and how strongly he vibrated to pathetic or tragic impulses. On 11th January, 1891, Boake writes telling how Wagga society appreciated some satirical lines he had composed concerning certain of its members. On 16th February, 1891, Boake writes to a sister from the survey camp at Carabosh, near Germanton—
Dear Addie,—To-night is the proudest moment of my life. I feel that at last I have my foot on the first rung of the ladder that leads to fame. I have just got a letter from the editor of The Bulletin, acknowledging some verses. This is what he says: it is short, but very sweet—
Dr. Sir,—Shall be glad to publish your pretty and melodious verses: they may be kept for Xmas and illustrated. Cheque will follow in due course. Hoping to hear from you shortly. Yrs., &c., J. F. Archibald.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when I got it—I was so surprised . . . This letter is rather egotistical; but I felt I must write to some one or die.—Your loving Bartie.
Yet there is preserved from about this period a fragment of a letter containing the statement: ‘I myself believe with Tolstoi that the sooner the race dies out the better for all concerned.’ Boake's physical tendency to melancholy was too strong to be permanently overpowered by any mental reaction.
On 25th July, 1891, Boake writes to his father from the survey camp at Mundawaddery, recording an incident which impressed him deeply—
. . . I suppose you saw by the paper that the floods in this part of the country have been without precedent in the
