A Backblocker's Pleasure Trip

The rock and fence-rail artist was almost ubiquitous; but he seemed to flourish more exuberantly about Sydney and its environs than anywhere else. His work made an impression on the visitor because there was no escaping it. One of the first things to catch the eyes of passengers on the incoming mailboats was "Drink Hogg's Whisky." The artist did some Alpine climbing to emblazon that motto on the city's front gate. Beside it, pigmenting the rugged grandeur of the towering cliffs, he saw the imperative notice, "Get your hair cut at McShaver's." It flashed across his vision like a jackal-of-trade yelling at him as he approached.

He saw a prominent point ahead, with a bold inscription across its nose. Some historic landmark, probably. With the interest of an observant sea-rover he raised his glasses, and read: "Fang and Molar. Teeth extracted while U wait." The boat passed the next point quite close. It was a picturesque spot, with a small bay and a semicircular sandy beach in perspective. He took a snapshot of it with the camera. Later, when he examined the result, he found himself being asked a number of impertinent questions: "Do you suffer with cold feet?" "How's your appetite?" "Do you sleep well? If not, take Stiffner's Paralyser before going to bed."